Watch CBS News

Authorities Assess Damage After Fire At U.S. Steel's Irvin Plant

WEST MIFFLIN (KDKA) – Authorities are assessing the damage following a fire at the Mon Valley Works' Irvin Plant in West Mifflin Sunday afternoon.

The blaze was reported around noon at the plant on Camp Hollow Road. Thick clouds of smoke could be seen billowing from the facility.

According to a statement released by U.S. Steel, the fire started in a piece of equipment called a Pickle Line. The 84-inch line is where flat-rolled steel "goes through an acid treatment to prepare the surface for further finishing applications."

The statement goes on to report that the area where the fire broke out was safely evacuated, and then U.S. Steel personnel, their Hazmat team and the West Mifflin Fire Department were able to put out the fire by around 2:30 p.m.

The statement reads in part: "Safety is a core value at U. S. Steel and something we take seriously. A full investigation into the cause of the incident is under way. All necessary notifications to applicable outside environmental agencies were made."

Officials say the line where the fire broke out is currently idle, but the rest of the plant is up and running.

Crews are set to being assessing the area where the fire broke out to determine what repairs are needed and what the impact will be on the operations, according to the statement.

"The remainder of the plant remains operational," said Chuck Rice, of U.S. Steel. "The specific area has been closed off for investigation and to assess the damage, but at this point in time we don't have an estimate."

No injuries were reported and all evacuated employees were accounted for.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

RELATED LINKS:
U.S. Steel: Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant
More News from West Mifflin

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.