Lots of smoke, but no injuries: Machine at Petersburg, Virginia International Paper facility catches fire


PETERSBURG, Va. (From news reports) -- Authorities said a fire at an International Paper facility early Tuesday morning was contained to one machine, but that did not stop the entire building from filling up with smoke.

The fire at International Paper on Wells Road was reported around 5:55 a.m. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the facility.

The fire department said the blaze was contained to a processing machine and some duct work. The ducts carried smoke throughout the building.

A fire department spokesperson said the blaze in the machine was "quickly extinguished."

Plant workers had evacuated the building by the time crews arrived. The building had to be ventilated before anyone was let back inside.

There were no injuries reported.

The facility is located in southwestern Petersburg. It employs around 95 people.

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