06:59 PM MDT on Sunday, July 9, 2006

KTVB.COM & Associated Pres

Fire broke out at a New Plymouth biodiesel plant today.

BOISE -- An explosion that rocked a biodiesel plant in New Plymouth has killed a Meridian man. Idaho State Police spokesman Rick Ohnsman says the blast killed 25-year-old Blaise Black, a Meridian man who worked at the plant. He is a rodeo cowboy who competed in team roping events and is attending Boise State University.

Black's father, Rob Black, and another employee suffered burns and smoke inhalation trying to rescue Blaze Black after the explosion. Their injuries were treated at the

scene.

Ohnsman says Blaise Black was welding a tank that contained biodiesel when the explosion happened. The resulting fire destroyed the building. He says Blue Sky

Biodiesel had not yet opened for business but was expected to in the coming weeks.

Fire crews are now mopping up from the fire, and state and federal environmental agencies are checking the scene for any hazards.

Ohnsman says the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will likely investigate the accident.

More than a dozen nearby homes and businesses were evacuated as a precautionary measure. It is not known if the fumes from the fire are toxic. They don't appear to be posing a danger to humans. Many residents watched the fire from the streets.

The Payette County Sheriff put out a call at 11:50 a.m. to several agencies in the area for assistance.

U.S. 30 east and west of New Plymouth was shutdown down for several hours because of the smoke.

Authorities were worried about railroad tanker cars parked near the plant. Those tankers were moved to a more secure area.

The plant was to be Idaho's first biodiesel production facility, producing up to 10 million gallons of biodiesel per year. Crews were reportedly testing equipment at the plant and getting ready for a grand opening, likely within the next month.

Fire crews in the area has also reportedly been trained for such an event at the plant.

The plant is operated by Blue Sky Biodiesel LLC. The facility was originally scheduled to open two months ago, but was delayed by safety concerns.

The plant occupies the old Emmett Valley Fruit building in the Jiano Industrial Park in New Plymouth.

City leaders were excited about the new jobs and tax base it would bring to the rural community.

Bio-diesel is seen as a fuel alternative that will reduce the dependence on foreign oil sources, with additional benefits of less pollution, extended engine life and a lubricating quality. Biodiesel is made from soy and canola oils.

KTVB

Black smoke could be seen from downtown New Plymouth.

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