Kearney Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire reported at Eaton Wednesday evening.
According to KVFD, fire crews were dispatched just after 6 p.m. Wednesday to an industrial fire at Eaton’s Corporation.
Upon arrival, fire crews found heavy black smoke coming from the roof and exterior doors on the west side of the building.
Once the first Engine arrived and established a water supply, crews pulled handlines and made entry into the facility. Fire crews initiated a fire attack and worked to locate the source. The fire was located and extinguished. The fire did not extend to the roof.
Eaton management and maintenance assisted KVFD in isolating power and shutting down activated sprinkler system. Eaton employees had attempted to put out the fire prior to KVFD’s arrival but were forced to evacuate when conditions worsened.
All Eaton employees were evacuated and accounted for with two employees evaluated by CHI Good Samaritan EMS for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
The fire origin and cause remain under investigation. However, the initial investigation indicates that the fire started in a seat grinder and spread to a
mist collector. The fire was mostly contained to the area of these two machines.
Other agencies who responded and assisted KVFD was Good Samaritan EMS, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, and Nebraska Public Power District.
