On Saturday, a swift response from the Madisonville Fire Department ensured a minor fire at Ahlstrom Filtration on Nebo Road was quickly contained and extinguished.
Chief Jason Eli reported that sixteen firefighters were sent to the building at 215 Nebo Road after Central Dispatch informed them that employees were actively battling a fire inside the facility. Upon arrival, the firefighters used water and dry chemical extinguishers inside the building.
According to Chief Eli, firefighters spoke with employees who reported that friction from pushing scrap paper across the floor had caused it to ignite. Chief Eli noted that by the time firefighters reached the paper fire, it was already contained and fully extinguished. He said fire crews then used fire hooks and thermal imaging cameras to ensure there were no remaining hot spots.
Before leaving the scene, they advised employees to wait approximately 15 minutes before disposing of the paper in their dumpster.
The report states that the fire resulted in estimated losses of $2,500.