Logan Structure Fire

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Structure Fire

Logan, Utah – October 24 2013 – The Logan Fire Department with automatic aid departments responded to a report of a structure fire in a multi-family dwelling located at 430 West 950 North, Logan. The fire was reported by the building’s occupants to 911 at 12:36 am.  The caller stated that he could see flames on the back of the building.   

Upon arrival the fire department found heavy amounts of fire on the back exterior wall.  The fire had extended up the exterior wall and into the attic area of the building. All occupants had evacuated the building with no injuries.  The occupants consisted of 4 families, 8 adults and 5 children.  Red Cross assistance was requested for the families.  

The building sustained significant damage to the rear and attic in all four apartments.  Damage is estimated at $200,000.00  No damage to other structures was reported.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Contact:

Craig Humphreys, Deputy Chief

North Logan Fire Department

2005 North 1200 East

North Logan, Utah 84341

435-757-4841

North Logan Ricin Update 17:45

The samples taken from the basement residence returned positive for ricin. Given the methods used to process the castor beans and the negative samples recovered from the upstairs residence and the ventilation system, it was determined that the threat of contamination to the area outside of the basement is very low. The upstairs residents will be allowed to return this evening and the incident poses no danger to the neighboring houses.

Evidence is still being gathered from the basement. Once that operation is complete, the health department will work with the homeowner to mitigate any residual contamination. The patient remains in the hospital.


Jason Killinen
North Logan Fire Dept.
435-227-5431

North Logan Ricin Incident Update:


The 85th Civil Support Team is finishing up the sampling portion of the operation. The team has taken samples from all areas of the structure. The initial environmental survey shows no signs of ricin in the upper levels of the structure, the results of the basement samples will determine the next actions and the amount of time the investigation is expected to take. Units remain on scene in support of that effort.

During an interview with the patient earlier today, she indicated she got the idea to process ricin from an internet search, there is no reason to believe that the idea came from or is associated with a television show.


Jason Killinen
North Logan Fire Dept.
435-227-5431

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	North Logan FD CONTACT:    Jason Killinen Cell: (435) 227-5431

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        

Date:   10-3.2013     

                                                                                                                       

Ricin used in attempted suicide in North Logan

At approximately 10 pm, Cache County Dispatch Center received a call from an individual concerned that her cousin may be attempting suicide by ingesting castor beans. Resources responded to the residence indicated by the cousin at a basement apartment in North Logan, UT. During that time, the dispatch center was able to make contact with the patient, at the residence and the patient was transported to the hospital.

“Four residents living above this apartment were evacuated as a precaution. The is no risk for neighbors living near this residence.” Said Chief Hawkes, North Park Police Department. “ The scene had been secured and we are working with our partners locally and statewide to continue clean up of the residence.”

An undetermined number of castor beans were found at the scene. Castor beans are used to make the poison, ricin. Castor beans are processed throughout the world to make castor oil. Ricin is part of the waste “mash” produced when castor oil is made. 

Jason Killinen
Fire Marshal/PIO
North Logan FD
435-227-5431

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