Details are now emerging from yesterday’s fire at Vibracoustic East Carmi plant. It was around 4pm when the blaze broke out. Carmi Fire Department spokesman Jim Totten says the exact cause is still under investigation. It happened on the east side of the plant where the carbon black silos are located. Our research shows carbon black to often be a reinforcing filler for rubber products. There was no structural damage to the building according to the assistant fire chief.
Ambulance Director Adam Allen tells us the one man that was airlifted suffered from inhalation issues. There was another worker who suffered a small burn to his right forearm. He turned down medical transport.
Allen says in total, personnel ended up treating a total of 10 people including employees and responders for smoke and heat related incidents.
It was another show of community and neighboring responders coming together to provide assistance. In total, 9 personnel from Crossville Fire responded as did 12 from Norris City’s Department. Another 2 came from Enfield to assist the entire fleet of Carmi vehicles and personnel. In addition to White County Ambulance, Edwards County and Wayne delivered EMS and support, as did Air Evac who were luckily able to land on the premises.
