Fire reported at Gilster-Mary Lee Box Plant in McBride
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
MCBRIDE, Mo., (KBSI) — The Perry County Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire early Thursday morning at the Gilster-Mary Lee Box Plant after reports of smoke coming from the facility’s exhaust vents.
The initial dispatch occurred at approximately 3:28 a.m. Due to Perry County Rural Fire units already handling another incident, a second alarm was immediately struck to bring in additional personnel and equipment. As the situation progressed, a third alarm was issued for further support.
Fire departments from Biehle, St. Mary, Altenburg/Frohna, Ste. Genevieve City, Chester, Ellis Grove, Steelville, and Red Bud responded to assist, with approximately 35 firefighters on scene. Mercy Perry EMS was also present to provide firefighter rehabilitation.
Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from the building. Firefighters made forced entry and located a smoldering fire involving cardboard near a conveyor belt, which had been largely contained by the plant’s automatic sprinkler system. Crews ventilated the roof and used fans to clear smoke from the interior.
Personnel from Gilster-Mary Lee assisted by using company equipment to remove burned materials. The building was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries were reported.
The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. The estimated loss value has not yet been determined.
“We appreciate the swift and coordinated efforts of all responding departments and the assistance of Gilster-Mary Lee personnel,” said Assistant Chief Garrett Schott. “Thanks to the building’s sprinkler system and teamwork among our mutual aid partners, the fire was contained quickly, preventing more extensive damage.”
Pictures sourced: (SunTimesNews.com – Jim Beers)
