Fire breaks out at twine manufacturer

Published 2:50 pm Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Albert Lea firefighters respond to a fire in a piece of machinery at Bridon Cordage on 16th Street Thursday. — Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune

Albert Lea firefighters responded to a fire Wednesday morning in a piece of machinery at Bridon Cordage.

Albert Lea Fire Capt. Scott Hanna said the fire, which was called in at about 11 a.m., was mostly extinguished by the time firefighters arrived.

Plant Manager Frank Anderson said the fire was in an oven at a work line at the plant.

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Hanna said employees at the twine manufacturer, 909 16th St., had extinguished most of the fire on their own and called Albert Lea firefighters as a precaution. There was mainly smoke when firefighters arrived.

Hanna said firefighters have responded to Bridon Cordage in previous years for problems with the same machine. Anderson estimated it was seven or eight years ago.

The Wednesday fire caused less damage than the previous fires.

Anderson estimated only $200 in damage to the insulation.

Employees were not evacuated and could be seen walking inside the building.