UPDATE:  The cause of the fire at an Abilene Reporter-News building was overheated mechanical equipment, according to Abilene Fire Lt. Greg Goettsch.

One of the newspaper's seven printing presses got too hot and ignited paper on fire.  That color press was the only one of seven that was damaged.




AT The Abilene-Reporter News building caught fire overnight damaging at least one printing press, according to the ARN's website.

Abilene firefighters tell us they arrived about 3:15 a.m. to the building on Cypress Street and discovered smoke filling the facility in between the first and second floors. Additional firefighters were called in to assist because of the immense size of the building.

Employees had discovered the fire and attacked it with a portable fire extinguisher, according to firefighters. They weren't able to put out the flames. Heavy smoke forced the employees to evacuate.

Firefighters say they were able to put out the fire pretty quickly but have had some problems clearing out smoke.

There were no injuries reported. Fire crews are still on the scene working closely with plant personnel to determine the fire’s cause and extent of damage.

According to the ARN website, Friday's paper service wasn't affected. The paper is looking at plans to print elsewhere and is hopeful this won't disrupt future service.