PHOTOS: Multiple fire departments worked to put out a massive fire at the closed Georgia-Pacific plant in Emporia.
The heat from the blaze on Thursday night could be felt across the city according to residents online. Residents were also encouraged to check on their own properties as embers blow in the wind.
The plywood plant at 634 Davis Street abruptly closed last May. A former employee familiar with the building tells 12 On Your Side the fire started on the side of the building after a leftover pile of materials caught on fire.
The Greensville Volunteer Fire Department got to the facility around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Volunteer fire departments from Emporia, Dolphin, Lawrenceville, and more worked overnight to calm the blaze.
Fire Chief Jeff Rowlings of the Greensville Volunteer Fire Department said among their biggest concerns were the propane tanks around the facility.
Although several propane tanks did explode, crews did not have to evacuate, according to Rowlings.
WWBT-TV NBC 12 Richmond
