Hardwoods Incorporated damaged by fire

CLEVELAND - A White County industry was damaged by fire Monday night.

Cleveland and White County firefighters responded to the reported commercial fire at 7:26 p.m. in the rear section of Hardwoods Incorporated on Appalachian Trail Drive.

Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt provided details.

"The fire started in a molding machine and extended from that into a wall and office area behind the molding machine," Pruitt said.

A motor in the molding machine was the origin of the fire.

According to Pruitt, firefighters had to battle thick black smoke using a thermal imaging device to get to the blaze.

Pruitt said the damage was contained to the molding machine and office area.

Luckily there was someone on the premise who noticed the smoke and called 9-1-1, Pruitt said.

After fire crews extinguished the flames and cleared the smoke they stayed on scene until around 10 p.m. to check out any hot spots.

Pruitt said he recommended that someone remain at the facility for the remainder of the night.

Hardwoods Incorporated is located off Helen Highway near Ingles and the Cleveland Post Office.

No injuries were reported.