LINN CREEK, Mo. -- A massive fire destroyed part of Woodland Scenics, this small town’s largest employer. The factory went up in flames just after 12:30 Thursday afternoon.
“The fire, when it was going on everything around here was pitch black. There was really big flames, it was engulfed pretty good,” said neighbor Brandon Smith.
The plant, which is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of model railroad scenery supplies, was full of plastic and foam products. Fire officials said the material fueled the fire, creating an intense heat that made it impossible for crews to attack the blaze from the inside.
Woodland Scenics employs around 150 people, but it’s unknown how many people were actually inside when the fire broke. Authorities confirm everybody made it out safely.
Though the town has fire hydrants, the system’s capacity was quickly exceeded.
“I'd venture to say we used about 200,000 gallons of water just to put what see…under control,” said Chief Jeff Dorhauer of the Osage Beach Fire Dept.
Close to a dozen departments were called to assist. Some were from as far away as Columbia.
By 6 p.m., most of the fire was out, and the extent of the damage could be seen. About one-third of the main complex had been reduced to a pile of charred, smoldering debris.
Investigators planned to be on the scene through the night trying to find a cause of the fire.
The owner of the factory was unavailable for comment. However, authorities said the plant planned to reopen Friday in portions of the complex not damaged by the fire.
