LSB comments on AN fire

Oklahoma City-LSB Industries Inc. on Aug. 3 released a statement regarding the July 30 fire at an agricultural products distribution center located in Bryan, Texas (GM Aug. 3, p. 10), that is operated by LSB’s wholly-owned subsidiary, El Dorado Chemical Co. (EDC). LSB said the Bryan Agricultural Center (BAC) stored agricultural products and shipped the products to customers in the area. The products stored and sold by BAC included fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate, potash, DAP, and certain other fertilizer products. BAC is one of 14 EDC agricultural products distribution centers. When the fire broke out around noon on July 30, the local fire department was called to the scene. As a precaution, local authorities evacuated an area around Bryan and nearby College Station. LSB said EDC immediately responded to the fire by dispatching a team of safety and remediation experts to the site, who continue to assess the situation and investigate the cause of the fire. EDC is assisting local authorities and residents. Reports indicate that approximately 40 individuals went to local emergency rooms for treatment, but the exact number and the extent of health issues, if any, are unknown at this time. The fire consumed the entire BAC facility and required the cessation of operations at the Bryan site. The company believes it maintains adequate insurance coverage for the currently foreseeable losses arising from the fire, subject to applicable deductibles. “We sincerely regret any health issues or temporary inconveniences that might have been caused by the fire at the Bryan, Texas facility,” said Jack Golsen, LSB chairman and CEO. “The safety of the residents, first responders and our employees is our foremost concern. We do not believe that the fire at Bryan, Texas will cause any material adverse consequences to our overall business.”