No injuries in fire at WestRock’s warehouse in the NorthShore

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A normal day at the WestRock Mill in NorthShore turned scary when a fire started this afternoon.

Smoke from the burning warehouse could be seen from I-27.

What the Ladder 1 crew saw as they were responding to the second alarm fire at WestRock this afternoon. Vide from Captain Evan Rose. pic.twitter.com/dKXw0lI643

— Chattanooga Fire Department (@ChattFireDept) February 28, 2021

The WestRock Mill that makes cardboard boxes was on fire.

Chattanooga firefighters arrived on scene to find flames coming from a hot air fan and exhaust vent.

Several employees were inside of the factory when the fire began.

According to the fire department, several mill workers turned off the equipment to eliminate any added dangers.

Battalion Chief Terry Knowles, with the Chattanooga Fire Department, says, “They did have people inside shutting the equipment down which helped us out a lot. Once we made entry in, we were able to get them out. They left on their own accord. We just asked if they could step out so that we could get to work.”

The fire is at the WestRock Factory in NorthShore. Officials say that all chemicals contained and there’s no threat to the public at this time. There were no injuries. The fire is almost contained as well. pic.twitter.com/kvYs7uGVoR

— Danielle Moss (@SunnyD_wx) February 28, 2021

The fire department says that firefighters were able to get portions of the fire out within 15 minutes.

None of the workers or firefighters were injured in the fire.

“Guys did an incredible job arriving on scene. Crews went to work. I can’t say enough about these guys that are the Chattanooga Fire Department. They made a fast attack and they did a great job”, adds Battalion Chief Knowles.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There is no word on how long the mill will be closed.

We reached out to WestRock for additional information.

We have not heard back from them at this time.