A fire at the Rivian plant in Normal forced the evacuation of the plant for an hour and a half Thursday morning.
The fire happened under a section of conveyor that moves vehicle chassis down the assembly line on the western side of the building, said the Normal Fire Department.
Flames did not spread beyond the area, but firefighters said it took some time to ventilate smoke and do air-quality tests in the building. The department returned control of the building to Rivian about 1 p.m. Thursday.
“Firefighters were already at the Rivian property for an unrelated incident,” said the fire department. “Firefighters made quick use of fire extinguishers and knocked the fire down until additional fire personnel arrived to assist. Employees were evacuated safely from the building.”
One Rivian worker was treated for minor smoke inhalation.
A damage estimate is not available.
“Bloomington Fire Department assisted with an ambulance and an engine company, and off-duty Normal firefighters were called back to be available for any additional calls in the Town of Normal during this incident,” said the fire department.
