By Shane Farley
NewsCow – September 25, 2013
Heavy smoke and fire from a large conveyor system damaged portions of the Creekstone Farms Premium Beef facility in Ark City Wednesday.
Just before 5 p.m. fire crews were dispatched to the facility where heavy smoke was coming from the southeast corner of the building. The fire was under control within in an hour.
Little external damage could be seen, though it was clear the inside of the building was thick with smoke.
Fire chief Bobby Wolfe said that in addition to smoke and fire, crews also had to work around a large whipping conveyor belt. No significant injuries were reported, however, a firefighter was being evaluated after being exposed to ammonia.
The presence of ammonia and natural gas was a safety concern for firefighters and plant workers and added a complication to fighting the blaze, Wolfe said.
Initial reports indicated that fabrication, slaughter and ground beef departments would not operate Thursday.
Be First to Comment