Investigators search for cause of blazed that gutted Corbin Ice Company

Above, flames jut from the sides and roof of one of the buildings at Corbin Ice Company, located on Cumberland Falls Hwy. A blaze was reported at the facility some time around 1:00 a.m. Monday morning.

Investigators have begun searching for the cause of the fire that gutted the Corbin Ice Company facility early Monday morning.

“This is standard on any business,” said Corbin Fire Chief Barry McDonald of the cause and origin investigation, noting there was nothing at the scene to indicate arson. “The owners had requested it.”

McDonald said firefighters, along with Corbin police and the state fire marshal returned to the scene Monday afternoon in an effort to determine the cause of the fire that did more than $1.5 million in damage to the building and equipment.

Greg Botner, co-owner of the plant, said no one was at the facility. The only equipment operating at the time was the refrigeration equipment.

Corbin firefighters were called to the scene at 1311 Cumberland Falls Hwy. about 1:10 a.m.

“It was rolling pretty good when we got there,” McDonald said.

Corbin Battalion Chief Larry Jones noted in the report that the fire was through the roof on one section and burning up into the attic on another.

Firefighters used the ladder truck to attack the fire from above. However, the roof soon collapsed on the main section of the building

McDonald said firefighters were able to keep the fire from reaching the supply of anhydrous ammonia kept on site at the ice house.

Anhydrous ammonia is a common refrigerant used in the ice making process.

The fumes given off by anhydrous ammonia can be suffocating.

McDonald called in off-duty Corbin firefighters and requested additional help from Oak Grove, West Knox and Woodbine Fire departments. In addition Whitley County EMS dispatched two units to stand by at the scene.

Firefighters were on scene until after 8 a.m. performing salvage and overhaul.