EMPORIA (KSNT) – The Emporia Fire Department is releasing new information following a fire at a local bakery production plant.
The EFD announced in a press release that firefighters were called shortly before 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 9 regarding a fire at 1525 Industrial Rd. in Emporia at the Hostess Facility. Fire crews arriving at the scene learned a fire had occurred in a production area of the facility involving a heating oil system.
Firefighters found that a contractor was operating a scissor lift and a pipe associated with a closed-loop heating oil pumping system was damaged. Due to the compromised pipe, heated oil was released and exposed to air.
The EFD said that, based on initial findings, the oil caused a flash fire to occur. The contractor escaped the area and facility personnel began to evacuate. The building’s automatic fire suppression system turned on and successfully contained the fire to the immediate area of origin until firefighters arrived to put it out completely.
No one was hurt as a result of this fire, according to the EFD. The fire appears to be accidental though an investigation continues into its cause.
“The Emporia Fire Department commends facility staff for their prompt evacuation actions and the performance of the building’s fire protection systems, which played a critical role in limiting fire spread and reducing potential damage.
The activation of the facility’s fire suppression system demonstrates the value of properly designed, installed, and maintained fire protection systems in preventing injuries and limiting fire damage.”
Emporia Fire Department
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