An overheating fan motor likely caused the fire that destroyed the Western Excelsior plant in Mancos on Monday.
That’s according to Mancos Fire Chief Tony Aspromonte. The investigation showed heat from the motor probably rose into an enclosed space above the plant’s knife sharpening room and ignited sawdust before workers realized there was a fire. On Monday, workers evacuated after the fire alarms went off, and the size of the fire increased quickly. 50 to 60 firefighters brought the fire under control early Tuesday morning, but the plant’s main building was completely destroyed. Officials say crews will continue to monitor the wreckage as the fire burns out completely.