Utility says new fire at Japan nuclear reactor erupted because first one was not extinguished

[jpak]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/utility-says-new-fire-at-japan-nuclear-reactor-erupted-because-first-one-was-not-extinguished/2011/03/15/ABunQcZ_story.html

<nothing more>

Japan crisis: another fire reported at Fukushima-1 No. 4 reactor

http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/ElectricPower/6911669

Tokyo Electric Power Company has reported another fire at the No. 4 reactor at its earthquake-damaged Fukushima Daiichi, or Fukushima-1, nuclear power plant in northeastern Japan, public broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday.

The fire was reported on the fourth floor in the northeast section of the reactor building at 5:45 a.m. (2045 GMT Tuesday), NHK said.

Tepco is working to find ways to cool down the No. 4 reactor, which also suffered a explosion and fire in the same area on Tuesday morning. Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said Tuesday's fire at the No. 4 reactor made two holes in the reactor's wall.

The No. 4 reactor was not operating when the earthquake struck on Friday, but the reactor held spent fuel rods in a storage pool next to the containment vessel and the plant's cooling systems were damaged. The temperature in the pool was recorded at 84 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, more than double the normal level, NHK reported.

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[phantom power]

1. I bet the last thing this situation needs is my armchair Q-backing, but...

I'm gonna anyway.

I found myself wondering, would it help to flood the area with some inert gas, like nitrogen or helium? Doesn't solve the cooling problem but it might keep shit from lighting on fire.

[jpak]

2. Or halon - but they probably have to keep it ventilated to prevent hydrogen build up

n/t

[bananas]

3. Michio Kaku recommends the Chernobyl Option

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x652849