Firefighters Combat Blaze at Novelis Aluminum Plant in Oswego County

A significant fire broke out at the Novelis aluminum plant in Scriba, Oswego County, on Thursday morning. The incident was reported around 9 a.m. in the hot mill section and quickly spread to the roll shop. Firefighters from Oswego and Onondaga counties responded promptly to the emergency.

Details of the Fire Incident

As of 10:15 a.m., Novelis officials confirmed that the fire was under control. However, firefighters remained on-site to ensure complete extinguishment. No injuries were reported, and all employees were safely evacuated.

Emergency Response

• Fire departments from Oswego and Onondaga counties participated.
• More than 12 fire engines and trucks were deployed.
• Firefighters used at least four hoses from ladders to combat the blaze.

Heavy smoke and visible flames were reported during the incident, particularly along the seams of the plant’s roof. Water tankers transported water frequently to support firefighting efforts.

Previous Fire Incident

This occurrence marks the second major fire at the Novelis plant in recent months. A previous incident on September 16 caused significant damage, disrupting aluminum production and impacting the automotive industry. Ford Motor Co. estimated the financial loss from that fire at roughly $1 billion.

Impact on Operations

Novelis is recognized as the world’s largest supplier of aluminum sheets to the automotive sector, holding about 50% of the global market share. The September fire halted production, which in turn led to temporary shutdowns at auto plants located in Tennessee and Michigan.

In response to these challenges, Novelis has planned to resume operations by December, employing a constant workforce around the clock. They have also installed stadium lights to facilitate night work as repairs continue.

Employment and Industry Significance

The Scriba plant is a key employer in Oswego County, providing jobs for over 1,100 individuals. Its strategic importance to the aluminum supply chain makes its operational continuity critical for the automotive industry.