Saltwater Disposal Site Sees Explosions

The Sidney Fire Department was paged out Wednesday, June 25, at approximately 8 p.m., to investigate reports of a saltwater disposal site on fire and large explosions coming from the area.

The site is located southwest of Sidney, approximately 4 miles south of town on Highway 261. The department monitored the site through the night, clearing the scene at 7 a.m. on Thursday morning.

The facility contained multiple storage tanks and propane tanks and once heated, they caused the explosions, according to a press release from the fire department. Reports stated the blast could be felt from up to 10 miles away.

No injuries were sustained in the fire and recovery efforts.

The Sidney Fire Department was assisted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Ambulance Service, Richland County Emergency Management and Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Coop.