Heavy dense smoke was pouring from the warehouse when firefighters began arriving on the scene about 7:30 p.m., Heckman said.

The fire involved numerous stacks of paper and cardboard bales of recycling material, he said, adding that the stacks, too many to count, were 15 to 20 feet high.

Members of the company’s own fire brigade were desperately trying to stop the flames from spreading to other piles when firefighters pulled up on the scene, Heckman said.

White Deer Township and Warrior Run Area firefighters were dispatched on the initial alarm, but Heckman, once on the scene, wasted little time and ordered a second alarm almost immediately, bringing additional fire resources from Turbot Township, Milton and Lewisburg. Extinguishing the fire was very labor intensive, Heckman said.

Firefighters from three counties battled a smoky fire overnight Thursday that involved numerous stacks of recycling paper and cardboard inside NGC Industries on Old Route 15 near New Columbia. PHOTO PROVIDED

Firefighters from Potts Grove, Montgomery and Point Township were also sent to the blaze.

Several pieces of equipment, including forklifts and payloaders, were used by firefighters and company employees to remove the burning stacks of paper from the building. Once outside, the stacks had to be literally torn apart so firefighters could reach and extinguish hot spots, Heckman explained.

This went on for several hours.

Two White Deer Township volunteer firefighters were treated at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, for smoke inhalation and later discharged, Heckman said.

Firefighters left the fire scene between 11 a.m. and noon Friday. The building itself sustained very little fire damage, Heckman said. A state police fire marshal has been contacted concerning the fire.

Firefighters from three counties battled a smoky fire overnight Thursday that involved numerous stacks of recycling paper and cardboard inside NGC Industries on Old Route 15 near New Columbia. PHOTO PROVIDED