McPherson fire crews extinguish oven fire at Johns Manville facility

MCPHERSON, Kan. — Fire crews quickly contained a blaze at Johns Manville on 17th Avenue Wednesday evening after a fiberglass production oven overheated and caught fire. The McPherson Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of 17th Avenue with three Engine companies and a command vehicle at approximately 3:52 p.m. on Christmas Eve, finding smoke coming from the structure with all personnel safely evacuated.

Deputy Chief Seth Graham reported that crews from McPherson and Galva fire departments made an interior attack and discovered the fire had spread from the overheated oven into its exhaust stack. Fourteen firefighters using six apparatus successfully cooled the oven and extinguished the flames before facility personnel shut down the equipment. The McPherson County Sheriff's Department and McPherson EMS also assisted at the scene.

Eric Brown, Director of Corporate Communications for Johns Manville, confirmed operations at the facility resumed later in the evening. "Information released by the McPherson Fire Department regarding the fire is accurate," Brown said. "We are especially thankful no one was injured and very grateful for the fast response from local fire and police."

The cause was determined to be accidental, and no injuries were reported.

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