No serious injuries in Wilson tire plant fire
Seventy-five firefighters battled a major blaze that forced the evacuation of hundreds of employees Saturday at the Bridgestone-Firestone plant in Wilson.
Posted — UpdatedOfficials said eight people were treated for smoke inhalation and two people – a plant employee and a first-responder – were treated and released from a nearby hospital.
The fire broke out at about 2:40 p.m. on the second floor of the Banbury building, a place where rubber is mixed to make tires.
Rodney Dancy, Assistant Emergency Management Director, said the plant has a team of people trained in firefighting.
"It had the potential of being very bad had it gotten out of hand," he said.
It is unclear what caused the fire, which remains under investigation.
"Damage was contained to a small portion of the plant's mixing area and operations throughout the plant are continuing as usual," the company said in a statement. "We expect to be cleared to enter the mixing area soon to begin repairs."
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