FAIRVIEW TWP — Firefighters this morning prevented a blaze on top of storage tanks from spreading to the rest of the Sonneborn plant off Route 268.

Anita Orozco, company director of human resources, said the cause of the fire, which ignited insulation material on the metal tanks, is being investigated.

A damage estimate was unavailable.

Petroleum wax is contained in the section of six tanks in that area of the 200-acre plant.

According to Butler County Emergency Services, someone across the street from the plant spotted flames from the highway and called 911 at 3:05 a.m.

“At 3 a.m., we have a skeleton crew,” Orozco said.

The fire was visible when she arrived at the scene.

“When I came down the hill, I could see the flames on top of the tank,” Orozco said.

The plant, which sits on a 400-acre site, manufactures petroleum chemical-based products, such as petroleum jelly.

Along with Sonneborn’s own volunteer firefighters, the Chicora, Petrolia, East Butler and Emlenton volunteer fire departments responded. The Butler Fire Department brought its ladder truck.

Orozco commended the firefighters’ prompt response.

She pointed out the special training the Sonneborn and department volunteers receive pays off at times like these.