UPDATE THURSDAY: Recycled Plastics building burns in Garfield

A Recycled Plastics employee placed a 911 call to report a fire in the building at 8301 County Road 82 NW in Garfield around 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Garfield Fire Department were first on the scene. Upon arrival deputies and firefighters found an active fire burning within the building.

Garfield Fire Chief Steve Wendland said a night crew had been in the Recycled Plastics building and attempted to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher.

Alexandria Fire Chief, Jeff Karrow said the Alexandria department was called for mutual aid and on the scene within 30 minutes. Assistant Fire Chief Bill Thoennes and 13 Alexandria firefighters were sent to the blaze.

The Brandon Fire Department, Leaf Valley Fire Department, Evansville Fire Department, Kensington Fire Department, North Ambulance and Ferguson Brothers Excavating were also called for support.

“I’d like to emphasize all the additional help we received for mutual aid,” said Wendland.

Law enforcement and fire personnel were on-scene until after noon.

Recycled Plastics, also known as RPI Plastics, recycled plastic sheets and products. The building sustained extensive damage.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

The Garfield Fire Department was called back to the scene on Thursday around 10 a.m. for a flare up with visible flames.

Tags: local news, news, updates, fire