Two injured in fire at Arkay Packaging in Botetourt County; plant to re-open Wednesday

Arkay Packaging will re-open for the second shift on Wednesday.

UPDATE

According to firefighters, two workers were taken to the hospital because of Tuesday's fire at Arkay Packaging on Eastpark Drive. No word on the extent of the their injuries.

Crews got the call around 5:30 p.m. They were able to help evacuate the building and got the fire under control in a short amount of time The fire started near a machine located in the center of the building.

Nearly two dozen units from Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Botetourt County responded.

Firefighters said the flames did reach a part of the facility where two hazardous chemicals are stored, but said there is no threat to the public.

"Everything is safe and secure," said Kim Crawford, who is the human resource manager for Arkay Packaging. "We're very happy with the way our employees responded and how quickly they got out and everyone's help in containing the issue."

Fire crews are working with HazMat crews to handle the cleanup. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Here is the news release from Botetourt County:

At 17:34 Botetourt County Fire & EMS responded for a reported fire alarm at 350 East Park Drive, Arkay Packaging. Initial arriving units found the building to be evacuated and smoke conditions present from the manufacturing facility. Initial suppression units entered the structure and encountered heavy smoke conditions, while EMS crews worked to evaluate and transport two employees who received burns related to the fire. Initial arriving units requested mutual aid assistance from surrounding localities of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Vinton. While units responded from Blue Ridge, Read Mountain, Troutville, Fincastle, Buchanan, Eagle Rock and Botetourt Fire & EMS. The fire was brought under control within thirty minutes. Crews remain on scene working to clear the building of smoke, as well as evaluate air quality and determine if any chemicals used in the manufacturing process require further action. The Regional Hazardous Materials Team as well as representatives from Virginia Department of Emergency Management are on site to assist with mitigating any further hazards. At this time the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

UPDATE -- Fire crews said two people were transported to the hospital. No word yet on the extent of their injuries. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Right now, firefighters are battling an active fire at Arkay Packaging. That's in Botetourt County. Crews from Roanoke City and Roanoke County are also responding. Firefighters arrived on scene around 20 minutes ago. A spokesperson tells us this is an active event. We'll bring you more information as soon as we get it. The Botetourt County facility is 122,000 square feet. Arkay Packaging makes packaging for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, wines and liquors.