MEC&F Expert Engineers : Huge Factory fire in Columbia City, IN causes evacuation for many homeowners

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Huge Factory fire in Columbia City, IN causes evacuation for many homeowners



Tuesday, June 16, 2015 

COLUMBIA CITY, IN

A large chemical fire Saturday night in Columbia City caused hundreds of people to be evacuated from their homes.
Columbia City firefighters responded to reports of a chemical fire at 11:25 p.m. at C & R Plating factory at 302 Factory Ave. About 27 firefighters from Columbia City and six other departments responded, including Churubusco/Smith Township.
Nearly 500 residents from 200 residences near the factory, were evacuated.
Although originally thought to be a chemical fire, the cause of the fire was determined to be a dryer box fire. The fire was under control and extinguished in two hours. Several police departments, hazmat and the Fort Wayne Health Department also responded to the scene. An all-clear was issued five hours later and at that time — about 4:30 a.m. — residents were allowed to return to their homes.

The American Red Cross set up a shelter at the First Church of God, 1200 W. Depoy Drive, for the evacuated residents.

No injuries were reported.

According to the company’s website, C&R Plating Corporation specializes in electroless nickel plating, zinc, zinc-alloy and other special finishing processes and employs more than 60 workers.