Rush Township manufacturing facility extensively damaged in early morning fire

A manufacturing facility in Rush Township was extensively damaged Wednesday by a fire and a worker was treated for minor burn injuries, the Philipsburg Fire Department chief said.

The cause of the fire at Advance Powder Products Inc., 301 Enterprise Drive, is being investigated, Chief John Huber said. A message was left with the company.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a complete loss, but there’s quite a bit of extensive damage there,” Huber said.

About 50 firefighters from at least 10 fire departments were dispatched about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday. The fire began in the rear of the building, Huber said.

He estimated more than a dozen workers were inside the facility when the fire started. No other injuries were reported. Firefighters had the blaze under control about 3 1/2 hours later, Huber said.

A portion of Enterprise Drive was restricted.

In addition to the Philipsburg Fire Department, Mountain Top, Alpha, Sandy Ridge, Port Matilda, Houtzdale, Morris Township and the Osceola Mills fire companies were dispatched. Moshannon Valley EMS assisted.

This story was originally published February 1, 2023 at 7:34 AM.