The PEPCON disaster occurred when a fire ignited at the Pacific Engineering Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON), a facility specializing in the production of ammonium perchlorate, a key component in rocket fuel used for the Space Shuttle program. On May 4th, 1988, an accident initiated a fire in the plant, which quickly escalated due to the presence of ammonium perchlorate and other chemicals. Firefighting efforts were complicated by the ongoing combustion, leading to concerns about the possibility of explosions. Despite attempts to control the fire, it ultimately resulted in a tremendous explosion that could be heard and felt miles away from the site.The explosion devastated the PEPCON facility itself and led to a shockwave that damaged nearby infrastructure, shattering windows and causing structural damage to more than 300 buildings in the vicinity, including homes and schools. Emergency responders faced an enormous challenge as they worked to contain the aftermath of the explosion and assist the injured. In total, the disaster resulted in the injuries of over 600 individuals, although thankfully, there were no fatalities reported. This incident raised significant concerns regarding safety practices in the production of hazardous materials, prompting reviews and improvements in safety regulations within the industry.In the wake of the explosion, investigations were conducted into the causes and resultant safety protocols at similar facilities. The event served as a wake-up call within the chemical manufacturing industry, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures and regulations to minimize the risk of such devastating accidents in the future. Furthermore, it intensified scrutiny of industrial facilities operating near populated areas and led to discussions regarding emergency response capabilities for hazardous material incidents.