Air Force releases findings on June 2020 Kadena Air Base Fire

  • Published

Pacific Air Forces released the results of its investigation into a building fire that occurred June 22, 2020, at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

At approximately 8:52 a.m. local time, a fire occurred at an 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron hazardous materials storage building, building 3150. The large smoke plume from the fire led to the evacuation of portions of the installation across an area larger than three square kilometers for approximately four hours. 115 U.S. personnel and five Japanese contractors were treated for minor injuries. The fire destroyed building 3150, resulting in an estimated government loss of approximately $2.6 million.

The storage building contained calcium hypochlorite (CH), also known as bleaching powder, which has a strong oxidizing potential that can make it unstable when exposed to high heat and humidity.

Although CH can release toxic chlorine gases when heated, repeated chemical test kit sampling of the smoke plume by bioenvironmental teams detected no traceable amounts of chlorine.

In accordance with AFI 51-307. Aerospace and Ground Accident Investigations, this Ground Accident Investigation Board conducted a legal investigation to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding this Air Force ground accident, prepared a publicly releasable report, and obtained and preserved all available evidence for use in litigation, claims, disciplinary action, and adverse administrative action.

The investigation did not address potential long-term health care issues for people affected by the fire, and anyone who feels ill effects is encouraged to contact their supervisor or healthcare provider for appropriate care.

Please click here to view the report.