MADISONVILLE, Ky. (From news reports) -- Madisonville Fire Department crews were called out 2:24 p.m. May 31 to Ahlstrom-Munksjo.

Several engines responded to the industrial building, where a large roll of filter paper caught fire and spread to machinery used to hoist the roll.

MFD Chief John Dunning reported Ahlstrom workers used water to extinguish the flames, which were contained before firefighters arrived. Workers had evacuated the building, and fire crews used fans to clear the smoke.

Dunning said it was a significant loss of equipment and production time for the company. Ahlstrom manufactures and distributes a variety of material for the filtration market.

Management indicated possible static buildup caused the fire, according to an MFD fire report.