GLASGOW, DELAWARE (2/19/2015) A fire at the United Cocoa Processor plant in the Pencader Corporate Center caused $250,000 damage, the state Fire Marshal’s Office reports.
The fire broke out about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 700 block of Pencader Drive.
The cause was ruled accidental, said Robert Fox, chief deputy state fire marshal.
Firefighters from Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company of Newark found heavy flames coming from the roof when they arrived and sounded a second alarm, bringing in several other fire companies to assist, Fox said.
Deputy fire marshals determined the blaze was caused by a malfunction in the exhaust system for the unit that roasts cocoa, Fox said.
The fire ignited roofing materials, causing heavy damage to the building, he said.
All employees were evacuated safely and no injuries were reported.
The company supplies cocoa ingredients for the food industry, processing imported raw beans into products such as cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and cocoa powders.