The fire began in the drying section of the mill. Bob Hess, city fire marshal, said there are about 40 steam dryers under high heat that paper runs through.
“If it’s not kept clean you can get a fire in there real easy,” Hess said.
Exact damage amounts will be determined through an insurance report.
“I can tell you it will be a substantial loss,” Hess said. “It would not surprise me if it was a six-figure number.”
A ventilating unit that removes smoke from the air sucked the fire into the ventilation shaft, according to Hess. The accumulation of dust in the ventilation unit led to a dust explosion, causing significant damage to the roof.
Calls to Graphics Packaging were not immediately returned Tuesday.
The structure itself is intact, but Hess said there is an added possibility of heavy electrical damage.
One firefighter sustained a burn to his neck, but was treated at the scene and did not require a transport to a hospital. No civilians were injured.
Fire crews from Franklin and Monroe also responded to the scene.
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