Goodyear investigating fires at Virginia tire, Texas SR plants

AKRON — Goodyear is investigating the causes of fires that occurred recently at the company's tire plant in Danville, Va., and synthetic rubber plant in Beaumont, Texas.

A company spokeswoman confirmed that 24-year-old Marlin Bob was released from the hospital after suffering second- and third-degree burns from a Nov. 15 fire in Beaumont.

She added that no other employees were injured at Beaumont and the fire in Danville did not result in any injuries.

Going forward, the spokeswoman said once the investigations are complete, the company will determine what steps to take next.

Details on the Beaumont fire were not provided by Goodyear.

In Danville, a statement posted on the city's website by Fire Battalion Chief Brian Anderson, the fire department was dispatched to the plant at 6:06 p.m. on Nov. 20 because a caller reported a fire in the Banbury mixing unit.

Upon arrival five minutes later, the unit was advised by the lead of Goodyear's Emergency Response Brigade (ERB) that the fire had spread from the mixing unit toward the roof by way of the duct system.

The ERB had been working to contain the fire for about 40 minutes prior to the fire department's arrival, according to the statement. The fire was soon after marked under control and Mr. Anderson said the unit was told by Goodyear officials there was no significant damage and production would not be affected.

The Danville Fire Department statement also said there were no injuries.