Early morning fire causes damage at Forte

MARSHFIELD – An Oct. 10 early morning fire at Forte Opening Solutions, 1401 E. Fourth St., Marshfield, caused damage to product and equipment, but no one was injured.

The Marshfield Fire & Rescue Department was dispatched to Forte at 3:17 a.m. for a water flow fire alarm.

“Marshfield Fire and Rescue responded with eight personnel to find a fire in a wood manufacturing press. Crews worked to extinguish the fire by stretching a fire hose into the building and used a ladder to access the top of the press and adjoining equipment,” a department release stated.

“The fire was contained to the press and a nearby panel stack machine. Fire crews had to remove large panels of wood product to extinguish the fire which was labor intensive. Fire crews worked with Forte employees to ensure the fire was out to all areas of the machinery.

“Operations were terminated in that area; however, other areas of the plant resumed operations.

“Assistance was received from Forte Maintenance personnel, Hewitt Fire Department, Arpin Fire Department, Lincoln Fire Department, Central RIT and Rehab, WE Energies, and Marshfield Utilities.

“The fire was contained to the press area. Fire crews worked alongside Forte employees to ensure the fire was fully extinguished in all affected areas of the machinery,” a Forte release stated.

“The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage are currently under investigation. Forte Opening Solutions is cooperating with Marshfield Fire & Rescue and other local authorities as part of that process.”

Damage to the equipment was limited, and the affected machinery was expected to be operational early the following week.

Forte said that “Operations were temporarily paused in the impacted area but have since resumed in other parts of the facility.”

The fire remains under investigation.