There was little to no damage in a fire that ignited inside one of the machines used for drying garlic and other crops at the former Gilroy Foods, now Olam, this afternoon, according to Gilroy Fire Capt. Shaun Peyghambari.
"This time of year is when they really start to operate their dryers," said the captain.
A report of the fire at 1350 Pacheco Pass came in shorty after noon, prompting a response from all of Gilroy's three fire stations and assistance from nearby CAL FIRE. Ultimately, only one engine, from Chestnut Station, was needed to bring the 20-square-foot fire under control.
Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The flareup began when dusty residue ignited inside the machine. Hot steam from the nearby cogeneration plant is used for the process, said the captain, and the machines run 24/7.
"We go to dryer fires all the time," said Peyghambari.
Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Peyghambari, a born-and-raised Gilroyan, said that there was a definite plus side to the incident: it smelled amazing.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
