Create a free Manufacturing.net account to continue

Wax Plant Fire Injures 1 In Pennsylvania

The owners of a northwestern Pennsylvania wax plant were working with investigators to determine the cause of a fire that injured a worker.

SMETHPORT, Pa. (AP) -- The owners of a northwestern Pennsylvania wax plant were working with investigators to determine the cause of a fire that injured a worker.

International Group Inc. spokeswoman Heather Meikle (MY'-kel)says the International Wax plant near Smethport remained in "assessment mode" Monday as company officials tried to determine the fire's cause and when the plant can reopen.

The fire was reported about 11:50 a.m. Sunday and was accompanied by witness accounts of an explosion.

Smethport fire Chief Steve Field says initial reports indicate the fire burned wax in a filter room, but state police fire marshals have yet to pinpoint a cause.

Mykel says the worker suffered minor injuries and isn't hospitalized.

International Group has owned the plant, which employs about 130 people, since 2005. The plant makes wax used in paper cups and plates, tires and candles.

More in Operations