From Campbell County: At 3:42 p.m. Oct. 13, a fire, located within a large industrial press and surrounding duct work, was reported at the Georgia-Pacific OSB facility in Gladys. Ten fire departments, representing Campbell County, Halifax County, and Charlotte County, worked through the evening and early morning to extinguish the fire. A public safety EMS crew provided care for two firefighters who became overheated. They were treated and released to reassume their duties on site. Today Campbell County Fire Marshal Randall Johnson said, “The fire proved to be challenging due to the heat intensity and the location of the fire within the duct work. However, through the cooperative efforts of the responding agencies, the fire was contained with no threat to personnel or the community.”
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Eric Abercrombie, spokesman for Georgia-Pacific, said, “We appreciate the quick and collective response by the Campbell County fire departments. Safety is the number one priority at Georgia-Pacific, and we are thankful there were no injuries or significant damage to the facility. We’re especially proud to support fire departments in the communities where Georgia-Pacific employees live, work, and volunteer. Last year, our Bucket Brigade grant program awarded the Concord Fire Department a $4,000 grant, and we’re pleased to award the Evington Fire Department with a $5,000 grant this year. This program helps our local fire departments have the means necessary to not only keep our communities safe, but protect the firefighters who are putting themselves in harm’s way – just like yesterday.”
The Campbell County Fire Marshal has released the scene, allowing Georgia-Pacific officials to further investigate the cause.