Employees told firefighters they heard an explosion and then saw fire erupt around the dust collection system. The fire alarm was activated and the employees evacuated the plant.
The Chattanooga Fire Department received the alarm at 6:44 p.m. and responded to the plant at 3002 Jersey Pike with eight fire companies. Battalion Chief Fredrick Blake said the fire was spreading rapidly from the dust collection system, with flames actually breaking through the roof at one point.
Chattanooga firefighters carried in some hand-held hoselines, and raised an aerial to get water on the roof. Chief Blake said a fire suppression system on the dust collection system activated and helped suppress the fire somewhat until firefighters arrived on the scene. Plant employees said the main material that was burning was starch, which is used to make Life Savers and other products.
It took the firefighters roughly 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Chief Blake said the firefighters worked aggressively and did an excellent job in getting the fire out before it could cause extensive damage to the plant. No injuries were reported.
Plant Manager Jim Fitzgerald said it will take a while to assess the damage and determine what kind of impact this incident will have on their operation. Mr. Fitzgerald said the company would likely release a statement tomorrow morning how the fire impacted the company.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Chattanooga police and Hamilton County EMS provided valuable assistance on the scene.
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