Released: Feb. 3, 2001
Circuit-breaker panel likely cause of fire
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (ACCNS) -- Investigators have determined that a circuit-breaker panel was the most probable origin of the fire which broke out in a missile alert facility near Minot Air Force Base on Nov. 30.
The circuit-breaker panel, located in the generator room, was cited by investigators as the most likely ignition source for the fire that destroyed the 8,000-square-foot facility. The fire broke out in the early morning hours at the Golf-01 Missile Alert Facility located 6 miles north of Plaza, N.D. All 13 occupants of the facility were evacuated safely without injury.
Plans are underway to rebuild the facility, which provides housing, security and support to the launch control operations personnel and equipment.
The investigation was conducted at the direction of Maj. Gen. Timothy J. McMahon, 20th Air Force commander, who is responsible for the nation's intercontinental ballistic missile force located at three operational space wings.