A dust explosion is the rapid combustion of fine particles suspended in the air within an enclosed location.

Dust explosions can occur where any dispersed powdered combustible material is present in high-enough concentrations in the atmosphere or other oxidizing gaseous medium, such as pure oxygen.

Dust explosions are a frequent hazard in coal mines, grain elevators, and other industrial environments.

The Port Colborne explosion was just one of five that occurred in North America between May 20 to September 13, 1919, due to a lack of regulations concerning grain shipment.

[1] Servicing the grain exports of Canada the concrete structure that had a capacity of 2,250,000 US bushels (79,000 m3) was completely destroyed as well as the steamer Quebec which was berthed next to the elevator.