Firefighters in Greenville responded to a large fire at the USG facility on North Broadway Thursday afternoon, where high winds and tightly packed paper bales fueled a blaze that took more than 24 hours to control.
The Greenville Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 4:20 p.m. to 850 North Broadway in reference to a reported fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a significant number of compressed paper bales on fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts using a combination of water and foam.
Strong winds quickly intensified the situation, sending embers to a nearby trailer loaded with more paper, which caught fire and sustained extensive damage.
USG personnel assisted on the scene by operating heavy machinery to separate the burning stacks, allowing firefighters better access to the flames. Due to the scale of the incident, off-duty fire personnel were called in to help manage the fire ground operations.
Pafford Emergency Services and the Greenville Police Department were on standby throughout the response. The fire was brought under control around 9:45 p.m., but crews remained on site fighting hot spots well into the following day.
A total of six fire units and several command staff members responded to the incident. One firefighter was treated at Delta Health System for eye irritation caused by debris from the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Greenville Fire Department expressed its gratitude to USG management and staff for their assistance with equipment, food, and refreshments. Officials also commended firefighters for their endurance and teamwork during the prolonged response.
