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Cause of West, Texas Fertilizer Incident is Still Undetermined

Ammonium Nitrate and Anhydrous Ammonia Eliminated as Potential Causes of the Fire

After almost four weeks of investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office reported during a press conference late last week that the cause of the fire at the West Texas Fertilizer Facility remains undetermined. They did report on causes of the fire that have been eliminated – including anhydrous ammonia and ammonium nitrate – and causes that have not been eliminated in their investigation.  

Causes of the fire that have been eliminated:

  • Rekindling
  • Spontaneous ignition (480 system)
  • Anhydrous Ammonia
  • Ammonia Nitrate
  • Smoking
  • Weather

Causes of the fire that have not been eliminated:

  • 120 Volt electrical system
  • Golf cart (battery powered, able to cause a fire) in the seed and fertilizer building
  • Intentionally set fire
    • Note: The Texas Rangers and McLennan County Sheriff's Office opened a criminal investigation into the blast. So far, officials have revealed no connection between Bryce Reed's arrest and the opening of the criminal investigation. Although they are not able to rule that possibility out at this time.

Additional Notes Regarding the Facility and the Investigation 

  • These points were also reported during the news conference.
  • The missing persons list from the explosion is now zero; no individuals are unaccounted for at this time.
  • More than 28 other agencies are also investigating the incident.
  • The origin of fire was determined to be in the fertilizer and seed building.
  • The fire sparked two explosions that were "milliseconds" apart. This was recorded by a seismograph.
  • As the fire caused the temperature to increase, pressure increased and the ammonium nitrate sensitivity to shock increased. Debris falling on the ammonia nitrate also could have led to explosion.
  • 28-34 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded, which is equivalent to 15,000-20,000 pounds of trinitrotoluene (TNT).
  • An additional 20-30 tons of ammonium nitrate was in the building and did not explode.
  • 100 tons of ammonium nitrate on a rail car nearby also did not explode.
  • It is estimated that 150 tons of ammonium nitrate were on site at the time of the incident, which is less than the 270 tons reported on the Tier 2 report.

More Information

  • Click here to read a press release issued by ATF.
  • Click here to read a press release from the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office.

Opportunities to Help the Community of West, Texas
The following charities have been established to help those impacted by the terrible tragedy at the West fertilizer facility in Texas.

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