A Lincolnton, N.C., was damaged after a blaze broke out inside the facility on Oct. 20, damaging several thousand dollars worth of equipment.
A police officer reported the blaze after noticing the smell of something burning, Lincoln Times-News reported. Early in the morning, the on-duty Lincolnton officer was led to the Omni Products, Inc. plant where the fire was discovered.
Crews responded from the Lincolnton and North 321 fire departments just before 7 a.m. Upon arrival, they noticed flames and smoke coming from the building. Responders worked on fire suppression for more than two hours. They managed to extinguish the blaze before 9:30 a.m.
Omni products
The company is a nation-wide producer of grade crossing systems, according to their website. Their products include concrete and rubber crossings, which are sold to clientele that include major railroads, transit systems, municipalities, ports and manufacturing facilities. The Lincolnton plant, which had been opened for eight years according to the Lincoln Times-News, is one of three factories. The other two are located in Kennedale, Texas, and McHenry, Ill.
Several thousand dollars worth of manufacturing equipment were lost in the blaze, said Plant Manager Casey Bolick. Also damaged was the building's siding and an office trailer. Nobody was inside the building, however, at the time of the blaze.
Fire officials believe they have determined the area in which the fire began, but have yet to reveal a source. One topic of investigation could be the concrete welding that takes place at the plant.
The incident should not have a significant impact on workflow, said Bolick. He plans to use generators to keep power running as operations continue.
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