Welder burned in fire at Roanoke County industrial plant

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – A fire at a Roanoke County industrial plant caused an estimated half million dollars of damage early Thursday morning. 

Crews responded to the fire at the Koppers plant around 1 a.m. They managed to get the fire under control within 20 minutes. 

Investigators have determined that it was an accident. According to a spokeswoman for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue, a welder was performing maintenance on machinery when an airline malfunctioned, causing flames to spread to nearby combustibles. 

The welder has minor burns from trying to extinguish the fire. 

The damage is estimated at $500,000. 

Koppers produces carbon compounds and treated wood products, according to the company's website.