BARTON, Ala — More than 24 hours following a massive fire that destroyed a warehouse at the Essity paper products manufacturing facility near Cherokee, company officials say cleanup efforts have begun in earnest.
Dozens of firefighters from agencies across North Alabama - including Mid-Lauderdale, Oakland, and Central - spent the overnight hours keeping vigil off the smoldering remains of the warehouse, keeping a constant stream of water spraying over the debris. Oakland VFD said they were utilizing one of their tanker trucks to shuttle water from the Cane Creek boat ramp to the plant.
The Colbert County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments put out a notice on social media on Sunday saying there was still a need for firefighters to keep watch over the site.
"Needing anyone available that can do 2pm - 6pm and/or 6pm-10pm shifts or both at the tissue plant," read the post. "Manpower is the critical need. Please ask your people if anyone is available."
The agency also said that it had been "a long 24+ hours with more to go."
The Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments' Auxiliary said Lauderdale, Franklin, Marion, Colbert, and Morgan County departments all helped in responding to the blaze. They also thanked the efforts of those who provided food and water to the men and women assisting during the crisis.
Essity's VP of Communications, Amy Bellcourt, told FOX54 Sunday morning that "We have employees on the site today assisting in the clean-up efforts that will enable us to restart operations in the coming days."
Bellcourt previously confirmed that no employees were on-site when the fire broke out Saturday. Bryan Dyar, human resources manager for the plant, said the warehouse was entirely automated.
A witness told FOX54 Saturday's fire began with "a loud boom." A cause for the fire remains unknown while work continues to mitigate the chance of flare-ups. The fire, Dyar said, is considered "contained" as of Sunday afternoon.
"A tremendous amount of progress being made," Dyar told FOX54's Simon Williams, and he thanked the "whole community for showing a tremendous amount of care and support."
None of the plant's manufacturing and processing facilities were affected by the fire. Employees have been advised to report to work as scheduled. Any worker with further questions should contact the local HR team.
Late Sunday evening, Jody Hitt, deputy director for the Colbert County Emergency Management Agency, released the following statement:
Over the past 48 hours I have witnessed the unwavering dedication of our first responders. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to those who have assisted at the Essity fire- those who have worked, shared resources, supplied food and drink, and those behind the scenes assisting to coordinate this huge effort. Colbert County is home to many amazing, committed individuals. We would not be where we are without their service and the service of many other surrounding counties- Thank you!
