Athens firefighters quickly overpowered a fire in an external trash compactor at Steelcase early Wednesday, but two employees were transported to Athens-Limestone Hospital for monitoring due to contact with smoke, officials said.
A spokeswoman for Steelcase's corporate office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said some smoke from the fire entered the building and two employees made contact with it.
"The fire was quickly addressed and no serious injuries occurred," said Katie Woodruff, global audience communications manager for Steelcase. "However, two employees were transported to the hospital for monitoring out of an abundance of caution. Both employees are in stable condition."
Fire Chief Bryan Thornton said Athens Fire & Rescue was called at 8:08 a.m. to the office furniture manufacturing plant at 214 Durham Drive.