Firefighters from across McDowell responded to the International Automotive Components (IAC) plant in Old Fort after a fire was reported Thursday afternoon.
“The fire had started in one of the machines and was contained within the duct work,” said Travis Piercy, assistant chief for the Old Fort Fire Department.
"From what we can tell it was a contained fire," said IAC HR Manager Kenny Greene at the scene. "We evacuated everyone from the building to ensure safety."
Just before 5 p.m., fire command requested additional five-man crews from every department. High temperatures made the work more difficult.
"Due to the heat, we've got people falling out," an emergency worker said over the radio.
Old Fort Alderman Andrew Carlton said some emergency workers were overcome by the heat.
“We’re glad that no one was seriously injured and all our agencies could pull through to help out in a situation like this,” he said, adding that the likely cause of the fire was a spark in the duct and it had happened before.
McDowell County Emergency Services and the McDowell Rescue Squad were also on the scene.