An investigation continues after fire caused heavy but limited damage inside an Emporia business, but Fire Capt. Willie Ward says there are at least some indications of an explosion inside Thermal Ceramics as part of the incident Monday night.
Ward tells KVOE News at least one wall in the compressor room was bowed out enough so people inside the building could see outside.
Emporia Fire was called to the business at 221 Weaver shortly before 10:30 pm. Ward says there was no fire visible from the parking lot, so crews went inside.
One employee was taken to Newman Regional Health. Injuries are unknown, but Ward says the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. That person’s name has not been released.
An estimated loss amount is pending.
5:20 am Tuesday: Fire causes damage inside Emporia’s Thermal Ceramics, sends one person to Newman Regional Health
Fire caused heavy damage inside part of an Emporia business and led to one person being hurt and hospitalized Monday night.
Emporia Fire responded to Thermal Ceramics at 221 Weaver shortly before 10:30 pm. Fire Capt. Willie Ward says crews found the fire in the compressor room. The fire was quickly put out, but it caused significant damage to that part of the building.
One person was taken to Newman Regional Health. Injuries are unknown. That person’s name has not been released.
Ward says the fire is under investigation. An estimated loss amount is pending.
This is the fourth time Emporia Fire has been called to Thermal Ceramics for fire-related activity the past four months. A handful of small fires were noted July 15 after items in the facility’s fiberglass vat caught fire. Crews from Emporia, Olpe and Americus responded Oct. 4 after a manufacturing malfunction led to a wheel catching fire. Firefighters also responded July 30 to a dumpster fire call, but there was no sign of actual fire with that incident.
