Carson City fire crews knock down structure fire at Aloha Medicinal production plant
Carson City fire crews knocked down a fire Tuesday night that produced heavy smoke inside the fungus-based pharmaceutical company Aloha Medicinals in the 2300 block of Arrowhead Drive.
Damage was confined to a dust collection system, which caught fire when sawdust-like material ignited during a mill and grind operation, said Carson City Battalion Chief Eric Bero.
The fire was reported as an alarm at 5:35 p.m. and crews had flames knocked down 5:47p.m., with the situation reported under control at 6:36 p.m.
The fire was located on the east side of the building. Aloha Medicinals President John Halliday said the operation should resume Wednesday since the fire appears to be isolated to a dust collection system. None of the fungus product was damaged, Halliday said.
"Everything we have is redundant. We will shut off the room that burned and we will be back in service tomorrow morning," said Halliday.
Aloha Medicinal produces raw fungus material used for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and dietary supplements. The company has 48 employees and produces 400 tons of raw material a month that is shipped to 64 countries.