CLARKSVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A zinc plant in Montgomery County suffered millions of dollars in damage early Friday morning after a fast-moving, three-alarm fire.
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The fire occurred at Purity Zinc Metals on International Boulevard near the Highway 79 exit off Interstate 24.
Fire investigators said just after midnight they believe a machine may have malfunctioned and exploded. Fire quickly engulfed all three floors of the building.
A series of small explosions followed, which crews believe were forklifts, tow motors and propane tanks.
Clarksville Fire Chief Ray Williams said zinc dust caught fire, which had to be extinguished using foam, not water.
Three employees were at the plant when the fire started, but no one was injured.
Crews will likely be at the plant much of the day putting out spot fires, said Williams.
The plant is currently inoperable and may be a total loss. The facility employs 36 people.
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