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Firefighter injured at Petersburg steel plant fire

Posted at 9:31 PM, Oct 26, 2013
and last updated 2013-10-27 21:05:44-04

PETERSBURG, Va. (WTVR) -- Fire crews from Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Prince George all responded to a large structure fire in Petersburg shortly before 8:30 p.m.

A call came in at 8:13 p.m. for a fire at the Industrial Galvanizers steel plant, located in the 3500 block of Halifax Road.  Crews arrived on scene around 8:20 p.m.

Fire officials confirm the fire started at the back of the building.  The fire was marked under control around 11:40 p.m.  Preliminary damage estimates are around $500,000. It is believed the fire was accidental.

A firefighter was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center after sustaining chemical burns to the eyes.  He has been released from the hospital.  An employee from the operational plant also sustained minor injuries to his feet.

According to authorities, there was no chemical exposure.  However, a chemical spill team is on site removing run-offs from the plant.