The fire, which started in the roof, was discovered by Clarence Williams of East Flat River, who was passing the plant at the time. He immediately reported his discovery, and a call was sent to the National fire department. Some difficulty was experienced in checking the spread of the fire for the reason that the water pressure was down. The fire spread to the north gable of the building and for a time threatened to reach the ammonia tanks. Had this occurred, there is no doubt but that there would have been a destructive fire. Ammonia, when heated, generates a gas that is highly explosive.

The fire started near the flue which is thought to have been defective.