Crews battle fire at Eatons in Kearney, facility evacuated

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department rushed to an industrial fire at Eaton’s Corporation Wednesday evening.

Upon arrival, KVFD crews found heavy black smoke coming from the roof and exterior doors of the west side of the facility and employees in the process of evacuation. The first arriving engine established a water supply and the crew pulled hand lines and made entry into the facility, which led to them quickly extinguishing the flames.

Another crew gained access to the roof with a ladder truck and found that no fire had extended to the roof. All employees proplery evacuated the facility and were all accounted for. Eaton’s management and maintenance personnel assisted KVFD in identifying and isolating the power to the affected area and shutting down the sprinkler system, which had been activated by the fire.

Prior to KVFD’s arrival, Eaton employees attempted to extinguish the fire, until the conditions deteriorated and they were forced to evacuate. Two Eaton’s employees were evaluated by Good Samaritan EMS for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and no personnel were transported to the hospital. The fire origin and cause remains under investigation. However, the initial investigation indicates that the fire started in a seat grinder and spread to a mist collector. The fire was mostly contained to the area of these two machines.

Other agencies that responded and assisted KVFD were Good Samaritan EMS, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska Public Power District.