City Fire Department stops fire at Georgia Pacific plant

PLATTSBURGH | The City of Plattsburgh Fire Department was called to Georgia Pacific at 327 Margaret Street at 5:02 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, for reports of smoke conditions. The call became a structure fire response when flames were reported near duct work in one of the machine rooms. City fire officials and platoon teams facilitated an elaborate interior attack that brought specific equipment and hand lines into use as a strategic search for sources of the fire unfolded. Georgia Pacific manufactures paper and packaging products. Heavy smoke conditions in the building required firefighters to use Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Support equipment included South Plattsburgh Fire Department's 32-Air truck for air pack refills and thermal imaging equipment. According to emergency radio communications, additional EMT support was staged on Weed Street, establishing a rehab station for firefighters working in thick smoke. The City of Plattsburgh issued a press release Wednesday, saying that crews were directed by Georgia Pacific officials to the area of their large paper machine. "Crews entered the paper mill and encountered heavy smoke conditions with active fire above the paper machine and adjacent areas as well as in and around ductwork in that area." According to radio reports, once they found the source, city fire fighters called for larger hose to be advanced up to the second floor. "Plattsburgh Firefighters operated multiple hand lines to contain the fire until the fire was declared under control at approximately 7 p.m.," the news release said. Radio conversations relayed a practiced level of knowledge by city firefighters about the GP building's structure and familiarity with the work area. Amid smoky conditions, city firefighters set strategic relay points, which proved key in getting equipment to the fire. "Fire Department crews remained on scene working with Georgia Pacific staff until 10:03 p.m.," the city said in the news release. Fire watch was maintained in rotation. One Georgia Pacific employee was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, according to the city's news release. There were no reports of injuries to any emergency first responders. The City of Plattsburgh Fire Department was assisted in fighting the GP fire by Clinton County Office of Emergency Services Car 1, South Plattsburgh Fire Department's 32-Air Truck and CVPH EMS. District 3 Fire and South Plattsburgh Fire departments provided coverage at the city's two fire stations. Fire departments in Morrisonville and in West Chazy were put on standby for a portion of the call. The city did not provide information about cause or origin of the fire.

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City Fire Department stops fire at Georgia Pacific plant

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