Update - 3:50 PM Friday, October 2 - according to SMU sources the AK Steel fire was small and was termed as a "break out". The furnace is back in operation.

Original Post

Local press reports have been reporting a fire at the AK Steel Middletown blast furnace (Number 3 furnace). The fire was reported at 10:50 AM ET Friday morning. There are reports there are no injuries as a result of the fire.

The fire was reported as contained at 1 PM this afternoon. The extent of the damage is not yet known and SMU is requesting more information from AK Steel. Our assumption at this time is the furnace is down until further notice.

The fire chief reported they were using special nozzles to put water on burning high grade coal.

The number 3 furnace had a $40 million face lift (hearth replaced) earlier this year and the furnace was brought back on line on July 8th. The furnace is capable of producing 6,500 tons of melt per day according to AIST data.

SMU will supply more information through our website and newsletter as it becomes available.

You can find more information about the status of North American blast furnaces in the Steel News section of our website which is available to members and trial subscribers.