Union City, Tenn.–Union City Firefighters have contained the fire at the former Reelfoot Meat Packing plant.
A fire department spokesperson told WENK/WTPR that the fire was caused during the demolition process that is ongoing at the former plant. He said sparks from a torch being used in the demolition set off the fire within some insulation behind the walls.
The building has been a source of controversy for years. It once was a place for employment for over 700 and has been empty for years. Union City officials and residents have complained for some time that the building and lot is an eyesore.
The plant was opened in 1917 under the name of Reynolds Packing Co.. The plant closed in the 1990s and was purchased by a small group of investors. The building was used for a time as warehouse space but more recently has been vacant and deteriorating.
Emily Gallimore photo.
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