Local plant is evacuated after blaze

WINCHESTER — The cause of a grease-tank fire that forced the Valley Proteins plant to be evacuated for several hours Monday is under investigation.

The blaze — reported around 6 p.m. — started in a 60-foot cooker tank and extended to the roof through the ventilation system at the facility, according to Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Chief Don Jackson.

No injuries were reported.

Significant fire was evident in the tank when crews arrived and the building was evacuated for three to four hours, Jackson said.

After a minor flash explosion in the tank, firefighters also were briefly evacuated as a safety precaution, he added.

Jackson did not have estimates for the damage to the plant at 1635 Indian Hollow Road just west of Winchester.

Fire and rescue units from Gainesboro, Round Hill, Gore, North Mountain, Clear Brook, South End and Rouss responded to the blaze.

— Contact Melissa Boughton at mboughton@winchesterstar.com