When Fire Becomes Master

This is what happens in distilleries when fire gets out of control.  Which proves beyond doubt that even the most carefully thought out and rigorously applied safety rules can sometimes not be enough to prevent a catastrophe.

The message is clear.  Never become complacent about distilling, and never leave a working still unattended.  Ignore this advice and this could easily be your home.

Slainte!
regards Harry

 

1997  Heaven Hill Distillery Bardstown Kentucky.

This photo is from the 1997 fire at Heaven Hill Distillery. (photos courtesy of The Kentucky Standard).
Another photo from the Heaven Hill fire. Kentucky Standard staff members at the scene reported huge fireballs of unburnt alcohol that were forced hundreds of feet into the air until they found oxygen to combust.

 The warehouse was previously a brewery but had been turned into a gin and vodka distillery prior to the fire.

G & J Greenall has been based in the North West since 1761

2006  Greenall's Distillery
Cheshire England

This is what's left after an arsonist set it alight.  Proving once again that alcohol is a highly flammable fuel.  All it needs is air (oxygen) and an ignition source (flame or spark).