Fire: Steam rose for hours, creating spectacle Continued from A-1 Steam produced when the water 1 hit the flowing glass rose for hours from the factory near the Miller-Sweeney (Fruitvale) Bridge and Oakland Estuary, causing passing motorists on Interstate 880 to slow down and take a look. The spectacle, combined with the California Highway Patrol's closure of the southbound Fruitvale Avenue exit SO fire crews would have easy access to the plant, caused already heavy holiday traffic to back up in the area. Though no one was injured after the kiln cracked, fire crews faced the risk of steam explosions as cool water from their hoses hit the hot glass. Another danger was created by the presence of flammable materials at the plant, including propane. "We're making sure the molten glass does not get near hazardous chemicals,' said Battalion Chief Don Parker. Glass is melted at temperatures in excess of 2,500-degrees Fahrenheit, experts say. Temperatures in the 300- foot basement where the liquid glass pooled were above 100 degrees, forcing teams of firefighters to work in one-hour shifts, relieving each other from the dangerous heat, Garcia said. Red Cross and American Medical Response representatives provided firefighters with cool drinks, snacks and a place to recuperate. "The main problem for personnel is the heat. We're wearing clothing like this," said Garcia, grabbing hold of his thick fire-retardant jacket. "We're suited up and wearing hats." Owens employees who helped bring the accident under control wore their own safety suits, Garcia said. "They have their own procedures; they have a safety plan. They've worked these situations before." The Owens company has a history of fires and accidents in Oakland dating back to the 1930s, including one just 10 months ago. That blaze, on Sept. 27, started inside a twostory kiln used to form molten glass into bottles and spread to the factory's roof. It kept 35 Oakland firefighters busy for several hours. In 1988, about 250 tons of molten glass leaked from a cracked kiln at the Alameda Avenue location. The blaze burned for two hours and caused $2 million damage. Garcia said the plant is not in violation of the city code for a manufacturing facility. Parker said the cause of Thursday's accident is under investigation, and described the company as "very responsible." RON RIESTERER - Staff Neighborhood children watch the steam rising from the OwensBrockway glass container plant in Oakland Thursday afternoon.