PORTAGE (WKZO-AM) — Portage firefighters had to cut holes in the roof at J. Rettenmaier, a factory on Vanderbilt, to get at a fire in the attic of the structure Sunday afternoon.
The firm uses natural fibers to make insulation and has been the scene of paper dust fires in the past.
At about 2:30 p.m. first responders spotted smoke coming from a vent.
There was a light smoke in the building and one sprinkler had been activated.
Battalion Chief Charles Wellman says it was not until they were able to gain access to the attic that they were directly able to attack the source of the smoke and fire.
No estimate of the damage was released but fire crews were on the scene for three hours.
A fire marshal will investigate.





