KATHRYN SPIRIT on fire at Beauharnois

[rarcand]

The KATHRYN SPIRIT - IMO 6717069 which was abandoned several years ago and was on the verge of capsizing near Beauharnois makes the news again.
The dismantling of the wreck had finally begun some days ago and was pictured in Shipspotting at http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2834768
On Tuesday, April the 10th, firefighters were needed as there was a fire on the wreck. Some information here, https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/fire-breaks-out-at-ship-being-dismantled-1.3879033

[IACSman]

As I understand from the newspaper, the fire started in the engine room, and presumably (according to the local Fire chief) in oil soaked insulation.
Such a situation could have (and does) happen on ships still in service, both old and new.
I have entered many purifier / fuel oil pump room's and noted a "fresh paint smell" from insulation around fuel pipes, and when squeezing gently on the insulation, oil is seeping thru, effectively making the insulation a fuse just missing a heat source to set it on fire.

In this case, at a scrap (recycling) yard, I guess the "old lady" decided to expell some fumes for the very last time, and it looks like no one got injured. Similar fires has started on many ships while still in service, with more dramatic outcome.