Cause of Kinston textile plant fire undetermined

Investigators haven't been able to determine what started a Wednesday fire that caused an estimated $2 million in damage to a Kinston textile plant, authorities said Friday.

Firefighters spent 30 hours battling the fire at Kinston Fibers, at 190 Neuse Road, before bringing it under control on Thursday. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives helped local authorities investigate the fire. Authorities determined that it started near the center of the plant's rear storage area.

There was no evidence that the fire was set, but investigators haven't been able to pinpoint a cause. A light fixture in the area might be to blame, they said.

Crews used equipment to tear side panels off the metal building for access, and 1,000-pound bales of cotton had to be pulled out and doused with water to stop them from smoldering.