Animals kept at the facility were unharmed, police said
FRANKLIN -- Three firefighters, including two suffering from heat exhaustion on a sweltering day, were injured battling a blaze at Huntington Life Science on Mettlers Road Wednesday afternoon, Sgt. Phil Rizzo of Franklin police said.
The fire broke out in an electrical room around noon, prompting the evacuation of about 100 staff. Several departments and EMS crews were on scene until the fire was contained around 4:30 p.m.
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One wing of the building was heavily damaged and other areas were also damaged. The building has been temporarily condemned for repairs and cleanup, Rizzo said.
Along with the firefighters treated for heat exhaustion, a third firefighter suffered head and neck injuries when he was hit by pieces of a collapsing ceiling. Pigs, rats and rabbits kept at the facility were all unharmed and moved to a safe location by Huntington employees, Rizzo said.
The cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature and is not considered suspicious, Rizzo also said, adding that an investigation is being carried out by the Franklin Office of Fire Prevention.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaulMilo2. FindNJ.com on Facebook