Lessons from the Fire- A Firsthand Account of a Grain Dryer Fire at MAC
Session Description
In October 2009, a fire broke out in a grain dryer at Michigan Agricultural Commodities’ (MAC) Marlette facility. Fires in grain handling facilities can be devastating, and understanding how they start, spread, and are managed is crucial for preventing future incidents.
Join Chuck Kunisch, longtime safety and operations leader at MAC, as he shares firsthand insights from this event. Through real images and a detailed account of the incident, Chuck will walk participants through the challenges faced, lessons learned, and key takeaways for grain industry professionals. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on risk mitigation, fire response planning, and best practices to improve safety protocols at their own facilities.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this webinar is based on firsthand experience and observations following the October 2009 grain dryer fire at MAC’s Marlette facility. These insights do not represent official policies of MAC or the grain dryer manufacturer. We are not trained firefighters, and every grain dryer model has its own specific fire control procedures. It is critical to read your dryer’s operator manual, consult your grain dryer manufacturer, and work with your local fire department to develop a fire response plan tailored to your facility.
Meet The Speaker
Chuck Kunisch
Safety and Compliance Manager, Emeritus
Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC)
Chuck Kunisch is a highly respected safety and operations leader in the grain industry, with decades of experience in grain handling, facility management, and risk mitigation. As the Safety and Compliance Manager for Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC), Chuck has played a key role in shaping safety programs and operational best practices across MAC’s facilities.
In addition to his work at MAC, Chuck has been an active leader within GEAPS (Grain Elevator and Processing Society), serving on the GEAPS Board of Directors and contributing to key educational initiatives aimed at improving safety and efficiency in the grain industry.