I woke up this morning to the smell of smoke. I decided to investigate. I walked downstairs and outside, then took a look down the street. What I saw was smoke billowing from behind the house at the end of the street. It was then that I knew the factory down the street had caught fire. My father followed soon after me down those stairs. I walked down the street barefoot to investigate. I guess I forgot to wear shoes. That factory had been there and operational since before I had moved to my current house. I was 14 back then, I'm 27 now. The fire was huge, the flames were visible from down the block. It was then I knew that the damage to the factory was going to be really really bad. The smoke was thick and black so I decided to get back inside turn the fans on exhaust and try to save my lungs.
The sadder story below the fold.
A lot of people from the neighborhood work there. On their lunch breaks they stand outside of the factory and joke around talking etc. That's gone. I used to take my daily jog past that factory on my way to the park and see the guys who worked there. Sometimes I went at slightly different times so I saw different guys out there. It was a diverse bunch, but what really makes me sad right now is how many people worked there. I seriously doubt they'll be able to be back to work anytime soon. Unemployment is already high enough in New Haven CT. This was quite the blow.
The crew that worked that factory was a very diverse bunch. There were Latinos, Blacks, Whites, everything you could think of in there. Its really sad to know they are out of work at least for a while. This is a blow to my community, a blow to the local stores and restaurants that fed them lunch and to the local supermarket where most of them shopped. The factory was a major employer for my neighborhood.
Funny thing is I have no clue what the factory produced, or its name. To me the factory was associated with the faces that stood outside. It was associated with the people who worked there. I didn't know their names but they said hello when I ran by daily and I said hi back. Even though I didn't know them that closely they are important to me and my community. They are an integral part of the community, and because it employed them so is the factory.
This is a tragedy. I doubt it has hit the news yet it was less than an hour ago that it happened. But, in any case it is news for me, for the families that lost an income, for the community that has less money circulating in it, for everyone here in the Fair Haven section of New Haven CT.
Thank you for reading.
P.S. I will update as I get new information.
[Edit one] Going over there now to assess the damage ... perhaps it can open again soon and I'm being overly worried we'll see. (Wish me luck and this community luck)
Edit 2: Half the factory is destroyed. They are going to rebuild but it will take months. The Mayor of the city is out there work talking to people and being a great mayor. I got a word in with him and he said the fire dept did a great job and saved a lot more than could have been expected. I'll admit the fire dpt was there the second I smelled fire with about 5 trucks. So I'm proud of our fire department. Thank you for the comments that have come in so far. A lot of people work in there and this is a big deal for their families. God Bless them.
The first reporting from the MSM on it.
I spoke with a reporter out there and she said they were producing varnishes, electrical insulation, insulation for military helmets, and possibly ballistic materials. The EPA will be here later today to inspect. Going over there I noticed my lungs started to burn a little bit despite the fire being out. Also of note it is unknown if the chemicals were burned. The facillity will be out of commission for quite some time. If I get more I'll give you more.
Please feel free to comment or rec or anything like that.
There were 30 workers there at the time. All left "unharmed" but had to breath in the smoke. Thanks for being there. Later guys.