Crews respond to a fire at Zimmer Plant 5, believed to be caused by a machine. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

“At approximately 3:23 p.m. Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received a 911 call from Zimmer Biomet Plant 5 located at 1800 W. Center St., Warsaw of a milling machine involved in a fire. Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory was dispatched and responded with assistance from Winona Fire Department and Lutheran Emergency Medical Service.

“WWFT arrived on scene with assistance of Zimmer Biomet maintenance and security assessed the situation, determined that a milling machine was involved in a fire, however was contained within the machine itself. WWFT assisted in extinguishing the fire that had grown to the exterior of the machining cabinetry. The structural fire suppression system was activated due to the fire growth and heat from the fire itself.

“Zimmer Biomet employees were evacuated from the structure to safe areas in other buildings. Once the fire was determined to be under control by WWFT, ventilation of smoke infected areas was completed by self-ventilation and the use of the air boat from Turkey Creek Fire Territory.

“WWFT and Winona Lake Fire Department remained on scene to assist in smoke removal along with examination for potential structural damage. At 5:30 p.m. employees were allowed to certain areas to remove personal property to end their work day.

“Future press release information will be available during business hours Wednesday, Jan. 6, by Zimmer Biomet. Further media inquiries may be obtained through Robert Fleener, (574) 371-1922, and the Warsaw – Wayne Fire Territory Fire Chief. Normal business operations will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

“Fire damage was contained to the milling machine itself, with medium to light smoke throughout the structure. EMS remained on scene. There were no reportable injuries to occupants or firefighters involved in this incident.”

WARSAW — Crews are responding to a fire at Zimmer Plant 5 on Center Street, Warsaw.

Fire crews from both Warsaw and Winona Lake have been called to the scene, with Pierceton and Claypool Fire Departments on standby for Winona Lake. The Syracuse Fire Department’s airboat has also been requested on the scene for assistance with ventilation.

There is no word yet on what caused the fire, but it is believed to have been caused by a machine.