Fire at Packaging Corporation of America Facility in Washington Prompts Evacuation

A fire at a packaging facility operated by Packaging Corporation of America in Richland, Washington, led to the evacuation of employees on the evening of April 8, according to local fire officials.

The incident occurred at the company’s plant in the Horn Rapids area, located in the 3000 block of Kingsgate. Fire crews responded after debris, including wood chips and dust, ignited inside an EVOL series box-making machine.

According to Richland Fire Battalion Chief Adam Hardgrove, firefighters arrived to find flames burning beneath the machine’s vacuum belt. Crews were able to bring the fire under control within approximately one hour.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Operations at the facility resumed after emergency responders cleared the scene.