Opinion ID: 1801898
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: Risk of Fire or Explosion

Text: Finally, Omega claims that United Seeds' grain bin places Omega's building in a hazard zone or creates an unreasonable risk of fire or explosion. The record does not support such a contention. In support of its claim, Omega called another engineering expert, Thomas Lang, who testified that corn was a combustible material and that explosions have been known to occur in grain storage facilities. However, on cross-examination, Lang admitted that corn, although combustible, is not highly combustible or explosive. In addition, Lang admitted that the building codes generally categorized uses as high hazard when such uses involve materials such as aluminum powder, cellulose nitrate, alcohol, petroleum distillates, and gasoline. Only those occupancies which process or handle grain or wood so as to generate dust were identified by the codes as high hazards. In that regard, Lang testified that the distinction between a grain elevator and a grain bin is that a grain bin is used for storage of grain and an elevator for the transfer of grain. The significant distinction is that an elevator's grain handling machinery is internal to its operation, whereas a bin's machinery is external. Sanford Goshorn, a grain elevator inspector for the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, testified on behalf of United Seeds. Goshorn testified that United Seeds' grain bin did not present a fire or explosion hazard. Goshorn recognized the same distinctions between a grain elevator and a grain bin as did Lang. However, Goshorn stated that the risk of ignition is much greater in a grain elevator than in a grain bin because, unlike a grain bin, elevators generate a large amount of grain dust, and the mechanical contrivances of an elevator are internal to its structure, thus increasing the chance of a spark source for ignition. We are persuaded by Goshorn's testimony and conclude that the district court erred in determining that United Seeds' grain bin created a hazard zone with respect to fire and explosion which endangered Omega's building.