Small fire at local creosote pole plant

The Jasper Department was dispatched to the creosote pole plant at 2100 Bevil Loop Road on the east side of town, shortly before 2:00 on Wednesday afternoon, when it was reported that a large bin or box containing tree bark was on fire. However, upon their arrival the scene the firemen found that employees of the plant had already been successful in bringing the fire under control. Very little damage resulted from the incident and no injuries were reported. The pole plant, which has operated at the location for many years was originally owned by Texas Electric Cooperatives and supplied creosote utility poles to electric companies and cooperatives across the state. However, in September of last year the plant was purchased by Stella-Jones Inc, an Alexandria, Louisiana based company that operates some 43 other similar wood treating operations around the nation.