PELL CITY, ALA. — An investigation is currently underway for the industrial fire that broke out at a Royal Foods plant in Pell City, Ala., that raged for 26 continuous hours, beginning 6 p.m. on July 30.

The Pell City Fire Department (PCFD) responded within minutes to a report of smoke in the ventilation system at Royal Foods’ original facility. The building was one of two on site and the first structure Royal Foods occupied once it moved to Pell City in 1992.

As soon as the smoke was detected, Royal Foods’ staff was fully evacuated. No injuries were reported from the fire.

Throughout the 26-hour mobilization, teams from Pell City’s police, street and utility departments were called onto the scene to provide critical support, along with six regional fire departments.

The crews used more than 3 million gallons of water to suppress the plant fire.

PCFP reported that the original facility was totally destroyed. However, crews were able to contain it so that the second building remained undamaged.

As of Aug. 1, the site is still considered active, and PCFD crews are continuing to monitor the plant for potential flare-ups.

Royal Foods said in a statement issued July 31 that it intended to retain all 130 employees at the site and that it was looking forward with optimism.