LYNN — GE Aviation workers were cleared to return to work in building 74 around 3:30 p.m. following a fire that began shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, said Lynn District Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
Workers were testing the integrity of parts using a process that requires them to dip the parts in an oil-based solution when the oil flashed and caught on fire, said Archer.
“It flashed and caught fire and continued to burn,” said Archer. “We don’t know why that is. There was a very hot, very smoky, oil-based fire when we arrived.”
Crews extinguished the fire with portable dry-chemical extinguishers, Archer said.
“Our guys had to work in incredibly hard conditions,” he said. “It was 94 degrees outside — it was incredibly hot. Our guys did a really great job knocking it down (quickly).”
Upon arrival, employees had already been evacuated from building 74, he said. Two people, who were initially unaccounted for, were quickly located. There were no injuries.
The fire remains under investigation, Archer said.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte
