A massive cloud of thick black smoke could be seen for miles around. Others were treated for smoke inhalation. Titan has been operating the plant with strikebreakers. The plant was evacuated following the outbreak of the fire. A Bulkamtic Transport Co. tanker truck operated by Oswald was delivering a load of heptane when a leak occurred.
Heptane is a highly flammable chemical used in building tires.
A report by fire investigators on the exact cause of the fire is not expected for more than a month. The Des Moines Register reported November 25 that Titan has failed to file legally required reports with state officials detailing its chemical inventory since 1996. Other emergency response paperwork was filed with county officials, according to a press report published two days later. Firemen nevertheless faced an extremely dangerous situation as they fought the blaze. Just 10 feet from the burning truck was a rail tanker car containing petroleum oil.