Damage limited to area of fryer

Production is expected to resume soon at Tyson Mexican Original in the wake of a fire Friday night at the Portland tortilla products facility.

“We expect to operate this week,” said Tyson Foods Inc. director of media relations Gary Mickelson.

Oil in corn fryer No. 2, located in the eastern third of the plant caught fire about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Fire traveled up an exhaust vent and ignited grease pads on the roof adjacent to the vent, Portland firefighters said.

When the fire broke out, a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher system kicked in. A sprinkler system in an adjacent packaging room also was activated.

Portland firefighters were called to the scene at 7:43 p.m., and the fire was under control by 8:47 p.m.

Damage was concentrated to the corn fryer and the immediate surrounding area. There was no estimate on how much it will cost to repair the damage.

“We’re grateful for the quick response of firefighters,” said Mickelson. “Our team members were successfully evacuated, and no one was hurt. We’re assessing damage. However, it appears to be limited.”

Fifteen firefighters and four firetrucks were involved in fighting the fire.