No one injured in fire at Kingsford

No one was injured in an early morning fire at Kingsford Manaufacturing Plant near Parsons.

At about 6:30 a.m., Kingsford’s fire alarm notified plant employees of the fire. Employees quickly responded and, within minutes, fire departments dispatched from both Parsons and Leading Creek were also on site.

By roughly 8:00 a.m., the fire was under control with investigations and clean-up efforts were underway. Packaging production is expected to resume later this evening. All other departments were able to remain in operation.

Kingsford is investigating the cause of the fire. According to initial reports, a conveyor belt was smoldering.

“Our staff and safety systems responded exactly as they were supposed to,” said Plant Manager Lonnie Wolfe. “This and the quick response effort from our local fire departments were key to quickly getting the fire out. We’re thankful that the fire was contained quickly, and that no one was injured.”

The Kingsford facility has operated in Parsons for more than 50 years and employs more than 100 fulltime employees. The plant manufactures and packages Kingsford® and Match Light® charcoal briquets, and BBQ Bag single-use, lightable charcoal briquet bags.

Check next week's edition of The Parsons Advocate for more information and photos.