INDIANA, Pa. (KDKA) — Firefighters from 14 departments responded to a smoky fire at Specialty Tires of America in Indiana.

The flames were confined to a refrigerated storage room adjacent to the main production building on Washington Street.

Three firefighters were hurt, including one who broke an ankle. Three employees were treated at a local hospital after they tried to put out the flames before crews arrived.

Chief Charles Kelly of the Indiana Fire Association said it could have been a lot different.

“We were preparing for the worst on this fire knowing what we know about what’s inside the plant,” he said.

“Anytime that you have a tire manufacturing facility with the chemicals and the oils and things that we do, it’s very flammable and fire’s your worst enemy,” Mark Grant, the plant’s general manager, said.

The plant usually employs 370 workers, but this week they had a skeleton workforce because the plant is down for maintenance.

Company officials say no tires or finished goods were burned in the fire. Materials used in the production of tires were burned in the fire.

Stay with KDKA for the latest developments.

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