AHOSKIE – A minor flare-up at Enviva Pellets Ahoskie early Sunday morning caused a brief interruption in production.

According to Enviva spokesperson Elizabeth Woodworth, workers at the wood pellet manufacturing facility located on NC 561 East took immediate and appropriate action.

“As part of normal safety protocol, the Ahoskie Fire Department was called to confirm control of the situation. No one was hurt and damage was minimal. The facility is back in operation,” Woodworth said.

Ahoskie Fire Chief Ken Dilday said that 12 men and four units, including the ladder truck from the Ahoskie Rural Fire Department, were summoned to the mill at 1:33 a.m.

“Upon our arrival the fire suppression system that Enviva has in place at their Ahoskie mill had already brought the fire under control,” Dilday said. “The fire was contained to the hopper area of the mill. We checked everything out in that general area to ensure there was no fire present and from there the Enviva personnel went into their standard clean-up mode.”

Dilday said the last unit from his department departed the scene at 2:38 a.m.

“Enviva would like to thank the dedicated teams at the Ahoskie Fire Department who responded to the call immediately. Their rapid and professional response is greatly appreciated,” Woodworth said.