Dixie Cold Storage 40th anniversary marked with SFD remembrance event
SHREVEPORT, La. ( KTAL/KMSS )—To mark the 40th anniversary of a tragic fire, the Shreveport Fire Department will host an event to observe the moment.
SFD will gather at the Fire Training Academy, 6440 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, La., at 11 a.m. in the auditorium to honor the memory and sacrifice of the firefighters for their courage and dedication.
September 17 is the day of observance for the 40th Anniversary of the Dixie Cold Storage Fire in 1984. Anhydrous ammonia leaking at the facility caused the incident. SFD Hazardous Materials Technicians responded to the location to contain the leak.
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During the response, a spark ignited the fumes, endangering the crews and severely injuring two first responders.
According to an SFD news release announcing the anniversary of two training officers and the HAZMAT team members, they were inside the facility when an explosion occurred within 45 minutes. The protective suits worn by the firefighters were ignited.
Assistant Chief Pat Johnson, one of the responding training officers, suffered career-ending second-degree burns. Captain Percy Johnson suffered second and thrid degrees burns and succumbed to his injuries 36 hours after the fire. Six firefighters were treated for injuries related to the incident.
