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.
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.
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.