Paper Perfect Fuel For Fire At Tampa Processing Plant

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL -- Cardboard and pallets of paper proved to be the ideal fuel for a massive fire Friday at the International Paper Co.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the paper plant at 6706 N 53rd St. at about 12:45 a.m. and found smoke coming from the loading dock of the large commercial paper processing facility.

Upon closer inspection, firefighters found a sizable storage area filled with pallets of paper, cardboard and scrap bales on fire. Due to the large size of the facility and the amount of flammable products, a second alarm was called.

Crews quickly attacked the blaze with water and foam. Combined with the initial effects of the facility's sprinkler system, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished.

There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.