Yankton Business Fire Tied to Static Electricity and Solvent

YANKTON, S.D. (AP) — Investigators believe a fire at an aluminum products business in Yankton started when static electricity ignited a solvent being used to clean a paint gun.

The Monday afternoon fire prompted the evacuation of Sapa Extrusions. No one was hurt.

Plant Manager Kevin Perakslis tells the Daily Press & Dakotan that a damage estimate isn't available, but the fire was contained to a small area and will not have a significant impact on operations.

Deputy Fire Chief Larry Nickles says the fire department had to discard about $20,000 in equipment that became coated in paint while firefighters were dousing the flames.

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