Multiple agencies respond to a structure fire at Vitro
The Wichita Falls Fire Department, Sheppard Air Force Base Fire Department, Wichita County Sheriff's Office deputies and several ambulances responded Sunday afternoon to a hazardous materials situation at the Vitro Architectural Glass plant on Central Freeway. The incident was updated to a structure fire, according to the WFFD Facebook page.
According to a statement released from Vitro, a leak from a furnace allowed molten glass to escape and ignite material under the furnace. Six plant employees were taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary reports, around 12:30 the Wichita Falls Fire Department responded to the large industrial complex, formerly known as PPG, for a hazmat. Multiple ambulances and a medial helicopter were called for injured employees.
The release noted the incident involved a leak of molten glass used in the glass-making process.
Sixteen fire units were on-scene and Wichita County deputies blocked off the area to keep traffic away. According to scanner traffic, a large furnace spilled hot material.
The City of Wichita Falls said the public was is not in danger, according to their Facebook page:
According to a previous Times Record News report, on July 30, an employee at the facility was killed from injuries received in a forklift accident.
The company's website says Vitro Architectural Glass plant in Wichita Falls manufactures flat glass for use in residential and commercial markets.
This is a developing story. Stay with the Times Record News for more information.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Multiple agencies respond to fire at Vitro glass plant
