ASHVILLE – A small fire that began during a first-shift production process at Cummins brought operation to a hault for a little over an hour Tuesday.

“The fire began in the early afternoon and was quickly contained by community fire responders and plant emergency personnell,” said Cummins Plant Manager Mike Abbate. “We did evacuate personnel in the area where the fire was contained and production ceased for about an hour or so which is very minimal.”

It was reported by one local media outlet that second and third shift workers were called as a result of the fire. Abbate said that was untrue.

“There was no operational impact from the fire. Our next scheduled shift for that area of the plant, which runs first and third shifts, operated as normal,” Abbate said.

One employee was treated and released for a minor medical issue as a result of the fire.

“This was a minor issue for us, but one we took very seriously,” Abbate said of the fire. “We very much appreciate the community support and response from the Lakewood, Celoron, Ashville, Busti and Panama fire departments as well as battalion coordinators and medical personnel.