Longview, TX – Fire at manufacturing facility limited by sprinkler system

Longview Fire Chief Johnny Zackary says crews were called around 10:40 a.m. to the Crosby Manufacturing building, near Dana Way and LEDCO Drive in Longview. Zackary says by the time crews arrived, heavy black smoke was pouring from the building.

Construction crews were doing “hot work” when the fire started, removing vats that were part of the previous company’s operations. Zackary says it appears the vats were coated in residue used to put frame rails on vehicles, which was sparked by construction workers welding and cutting to remove the vats.

During the course of fighting the fire, Zackary says one firefighter fell from a catwalk; he was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, but Zackary says it appears the injury is non-life-threatening. Employees and construction crews inside the building at the time of the fire evacuated safely and there are no injuries reported.

Fire crews are still on scene helping with the recovery process. While the building took minimal damage, thanks to the water sprinkler system Zackary says, it did fill with smoke. Zackary says firefighters will continue monitoring the building until it is safe before assessing the extent of the damage.