Dearborn Steel Plant - One of State's Worst Polluters - Still Burning

Thick black smoke was billowing from AK Steel, previously Severstal Dearborn. (Twitter photo via ‏@RashidaTlaib)

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Dearborn firefighters remain on the scene of a fire at a steel plant that is considered one of the worst polluters in the state.

The Detroit Free Press reports that a fire at AK Steel, formerly owned by Russian steel giant Severstal, is under control.

“A conveyor belt at the plant’s blast furnace caught fire,” said Barry Racey, an official with AK Steel. “The fire is under control. An outside fire department is on the scene and in the process of extinguishing it. “

No injuries have been reported, but Rashida Tlaib, a former state representative for southwest Detroit, which borders the south end of Dearborn, posted a picture on Twitter showing billowing black smoke.

“Thank you for giving AK Steel their permit,” she tweeted. “Look at what you left us with Mr. Governor.”

The steelmaker asked for and received a permit revision that allowed it to increase emission of pollutants.

Related:

• Permit Revision Would Allow Severstal Dearborn to Release More Pollutants
• DEQ Approves Steel Plant’s Request for Higher Pollutant Emissions
• Russian Steelmaker’s Plans to Sell U.S. Interests Include Dearborn Plant

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