APPLETON — Despite one employee suffering from minor smoke inhalation, fire officials are crediting a working sprinkler system for keeping a fire at an Appleton manufacturer from becoming much worse.
Appleton Fire Department units were dispatched about 7 a.m. Saturday for a report of a fire at a
manufacturing facility in the 1600 Block of W. Spencer Street, according to a news release.
Fire crews arrived on scene and were met by employees who told them a machine was on fire.
Firefighters found heavy smoke inside the manufacturing portion of the building. Crews were able to locate and
extinguish the fire within 20 minutes.
The sprinkler system was operating and kept the fire from growing, according to a news release.
Fire crews remained on scene for another hour working with plant personnel to ventilate the smoke.
There is no damage estimate as of early Saturday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
One employee was evaluated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries.
Properly functioning sprinkler and alarm systems kept the fire in-check and alerted all occupants to safely evacuate the building.
This is the second fire in Appleton since the department launched its annual “Keep the Wreath Green” holiday safety program designed to promote fire safety and reduce the number of fires during the holiday season.
Appleton fire stations are displaying a wreath with green bulbs until New Year’s Day.
This fire will be the second red bulb on the wreath following a fire Dec. 1 at an Appleton home.
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