SLAYTON — The quick response of firefighters helped to save a regional printing press in Slayton Wednesday evening, though there is extensive damage to its warehouse.
Slayton Police Chief Jeremy Steinle issued a press release this morning stating that heavy smoke and fire were seen coming from Page 1 Printers, 1929 Engebretson Ave., at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The Slayton Fire Department, Slayton PD and Murray County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the scene, and officers evacuated the remaining people in the plant before firefighters arrived.
“The Murray County Ambulance was requested to evaluate patients that had been inside the building during the fire,” Steinle shared, adding that four patients were transported to the Murray County Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation. Three were treated and released, and one was later airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for observation of non-life-threatening injuries. That individual is expected to be released today.
Slayton Fire Chief Chris LeTendre said the department requested mutual aid from Lake Wilson to help extinguish the blaze. Lake Wilson was dispatched at 5:56 p.m. to provide additional manpower. Firefighters were on the scene for approximately seven hours, LeTendre said.
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“The fire was in the warehouse, so we took care of that situation and vented the premises out,” he added. “We’re working on determining the cause (of the fire) at this point.”
Steinle said that while there is extensive fire and water damage to the warehouse, there was only a minimal impact to printing operations. LeTendre said the amount of structural damage has yet to be determined.
“I would like to commend the Slayton and Lake Wilson fire departments, along with the Murray County Ambulance, for a job well done,” Steinle stated in the press release. “Their skilled actions prevented loss of life and ensured that a valuable business in Slayton was not lost.”
Steinle also thanked his officers and sheriff’s deputies for keeping the scene safe and allowing the fire departments to operate without interference.
