Employees at Knoxville’s 3M plant were evacuated for a short time Tuesday afternoon due to a fire on the property.

Chief Cal Wyman with Knoxville Fire and Rescue tells KNIA/KRLS News that at approximately 3:30 pm, the Knoxville Fire Department was dispatched to 3M for a fire outside the building that contained cardboard and solvents. When crews arrived, they found heavy black smoke coming from the south side of the building.  Crews made a fast attack on the fire that was penetrating the building.  Once the building fire was extinguished, crews focused on the container of solvents and potentially unknown other chemicals that were on fire. Crews worked with 3M staff to move the product and used dry ice to cover the product.  Crews remain on scene checking for hot spots and making sure there are no other chemical reactions with the product. The electrical system for one building and the chemical supply for the same building was shut down until it can be inspected by 3M staff to make sure there was no damage to those systems.  No one was injured.

The Knoxville Fire Department was assisted on scene by Knoxville Township Fire Department, Pleasantville Fire Department, Marion County EMA, Marion County Sheriff’s office, Knoxville Police Department, Pella EMS, and 3M Emergency Response Team.