News

Firefighters Battle Cardboard Fire, Rising Mercury

Posted: 12:49 PM Jul 5, 2012
Reporter: 10/11 News

Fire at Former ConAgra Building- Owen Jensen Reports LIVE at 5
Live Report at 4pm from Scene of Fire

Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to a fire at the former ConAgra plant located at 200 South 2nd Street in Lincoln on Thursday just before 2:30 p.m. That's just west of the downtown area.

The building is now owned by Smithfield Foods which operates Farmland Foods.

According to Lincoln Fire and Rescue, the fire started in a 20 by 40 foot area of the building where stacked, compressed, cardboard boxes are stored. The fire was contained.

Because of the intense heat and rising mercury outside, and concerns over possible heat exhaustion, firefighters rotated in and out while fighting the fire.

The plant was shut down for several hours. Workers were evacuated.

City Fire Inspector Rick Campos says authorities have ruled out some electrical issues as a possible cause, but had yet to determine what started the fire as of Thursday night.

No injuries were reported, and Campos estimates the fire caused less than $10,000 in damage.