COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus firefighters were sent to WestRock Co. at 4 p.m. Tuesday about a machine on fire.
The company, located at 3101 State St., is a paper and packaging facility. WestRock employees used several dry chemical fire extinguishers to fight the fire in a cardboard chipping machine that is used to create scraps from larger pieces of cardboard material, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
When firefighters assessed the machine, the initial survey indicated that fire was out. As crews inspected further it was determined that smoldering cardboard was still present, despite the extinguishment efforts of WestRock employees.
Firefighters and WestRock representatives worked together to assess a roof top collection hopper that is designed to move the cardboard scraps to a cardboard baler located near the origin of the fire. It was soon determined that smoldering material had made their way into the baler from the hopper. Firefighters deployed a hose line to extinguish the smoldering cardboard at both the chipper machine and the cardboard baler. Firefighters working on the roof also encountered some smoldering materials within the hopper. Using a pressurized water can, the roof crew was able to successfully extinguish the materials with a small amount of water.
According to WestRock representatives, a preliminary estimate of damages to the equipment could range from $30,000 to $40,000 and could take the equipment out of service for several days before repairs are complete. Production will not be affected as a result of the incident, according to WestRock. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Investigators determined that the fire began in the chipping machine, but do not have an exact cause. Investigators have classified the fire as accidental in nature. Investigators praised the rapid response of WestRock employees in their use of fire extinguishers. The quick application of dry chemical extinguishers substantially reduced fire extension in an environment with an extremely high fuel load comprised of paper and cardboard products.
