COMBINED LOCKS — A paper machine caught fire Monday night at the McKinley Paper Mill in Combined Locks, drawing a response from multiple area departments.
According to a news release from Combined Locks Public Safety, the Combined Locks Fire Department and Town of Buchanan Fire and Rescue, along with EMS personnel, were sent about 9 p.m. Monday to the mill on Prospect Street for a report of a dryer fire on Paper Machine 6.
When emergency crews arrived, the McKinley Paper Mill fire brigade already was working to put out the fire.
Combined Locks and Buchanan fire personnel were advised that active fire conditions existed on the roof and in the upper sections surrounding Paper Machine 6.
Responding crews quickly established a water supply to the facility’s standpipe system, while the mill’s automatic sprinkler system also activated and contributed to suppressing the fire.
Additional resources were requested after confirmation of fire extension to the roof.
Fire crews established a supply line to support the Kaukauna Fire Department aerial truck and coordinated suppression efforts from both the roof and mezzanine levels.
Personnel from Combined Locks, Buchanan, Little Chute Fire Department, Kimberly Fire Department, and Kaukauna Fire Departments worked together to contain the fire, extinguish remaining hot spots, and complete overhaul operations, according to the news release.
Emergency personnel remained on scene for approximately three hours.
A damage estimate is not yet available.
Kaukauna Ambulance, along with Combined Locks and Buchanan EMS personnel, provided rehabilitation and medical support for responding firefighters throughout the incident.
No injuries were reported among mill employees or emergency responders.
The Combined Locks and Buchanan Fire Departments extended its appreciation to the agencies that assisted during this incident, including the Outagamie County Communications Center – 911, Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office, Kaukauna Fire Department and EMS, Little Chute Fire Department, Kimberly Fire Department, and the Village of Combined Locks administrator for providing water and hydration support for emergency personnel.
