Massive Fire Damaged Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee, Oklahoma Paper Mill

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A large fire has caused damages to a portion of warehousing and converting areas of Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee, Oklahoma paper mill about 80 kilometers southeast of Tulsa. The extent of the damage is not known yet. A detailed investigation has been ordered into the incident.

The fire incident occurred around 10 p.m on Monday, May 13th. Two buildings were impacted, According to fire crew, one of the buildings collapsed in the fire. The firefighters battled the fire to bring it under control by early morning Tuesday. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, though unconfirmed reports suggest that the fire began on a propane-fueled fork lift.

The fire and the explosion that followed it caused injury to at least five people. Four employees and one firefighter were treated at the scene, while one was taken to nearly hospital with minor injuries, said Ron Morris, Operations Director of Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service. As per reports nearly 65 employees and contractors were on site during the incident.

The company stated that it remains committed to the Muskogee community and are taking all necessary steps to assess the damage and get employees back to work at the earliest. All arrangements have already been made to assist affected employees, it noted. Further, it assured to make necessary preparations to ensure that such incidents do not happen in future.

The Muskogee paper mill manufactures bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, including renowned brands such as Sparkle. The mill supports around 800 indirect jobs and additional 3,000 jobs within the community.