SOUTH DEERFIELD — A gas heater led to the temporary evacuation of the Pelican Products factory on North Main Street late Sunday night. No injuries resulted.
The third-shift production supervisor called 911 shortly before midnight after noticing a consistent flame in a gas heater, according to Sharon Ward, director of corporate communications working out of Pelican’s headquarters in Torrance, Calif. Ward said the supervisor evacuated the building and called the South Deerfield Fire District.
Fire Capt. Kurt Seaman explained power and gas to the unit were isolated as a precaution. Ward said firefighters inspected the heater, and the power and gas will remain isolated until after a more thorough inspection is conducted.
Ward explained the flame — which apparently was a pilot light that did not die out immediately after the heater was ignited — was determined to have been contained to the heater at all times.
Firefighters declared an all-clear at around 12:30 a.m., at which time all third-shift employees returned to work, Ward said.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-722-0261, ext. 262.