A fire forced employees of a biotechnology company to escape their facility in Holly Springs on Monday.
The incident occurred about 10 a.m. at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies in the Holly Springs Business Park.
According to the firm, the fire originated in one of the roof-mounted cooling towers.
The roofs of these buildings, which are roughly the size of a small house, are made of a membrane-type material to prevent damage from spreading. Holly Springs Fire Chief LeRoy Smith stated that the design prevented the fire from causing further substantial damage. They were able to extinguish the fire in about 30 minutes.
According to a town official, it was contained within a single utility facility. There were no reported injuries.
Employees at Holly Springs biotech company evacuate when a fire breaks out in the facility.
There is no indication on how many personnel were present in the building or on campus when the fire broke out.
The investigation into the cause and origin of the fire is now ongoing.
“Cooling towers have a lot of energy running in them, and they try to chill and keep the water cool or hot,” Smith explained. “There are enormous fans and motors in there. So, there are numerous factors that can create a malfunction and a fire.
The head further stated that the department conducts monthly training sessions here. They are familiar with the layout of these structures and the complex.
FUJIFILM issued a statement, saying in part: “Our top priority is the safety of all of our employees, contractors, and third-party workers, and we can confirm that everyone on-site is safe and accounted for.”
ABC11 has learned that all employees have been allowed back into other buildings on campus, with the exception of the one where the fire originated.