Workers at Chem Plate were evacuated at about 2:40 p.m. today (Tuesday) when fire broke out at the Elk Grove Village business, 1900 E. Devon Ave. Firefighters said there were no injuries.
The plant uses conveyor belts, which run close to the ceiling, to heat nuts and bolts, Elk Grove Village Fire Chief Richard Mikel said. A large fan on the ceiling over the belts carries exhaust from the heating process up and out through the roof. Mikel told reporters that fan and some of the ceiling area near the fan caught fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Although the building is equipped with a sprinkler system, Mikel said the fire began above the sprinkler heads near the ceiling which did not immediately douse the flames. He said the activated sprinkler system helped contain the blaze.
Firefighters had the blaze substantially under control at about 3:40 p.m. while others overhauled the roof to ensure the fire was completely out.