FLAMES ERUPT AT INDUSTRIAL PLANT IN NIGHTTIME DRAMA

Firefighters extinguished a stubborn industrial blaze late on New Year's Day at Colorado Mills, a producer of sunflower oil and livestock feed in Lamar, city officials said. “Their rapid response kept the fire contained and protected nearby properties," Mayor Kirk Crespin said Friday. "Colorado Mills reports only minimal disruption and is expected to resume normal operations today.”

The blaze started in a hopper and a roaster on the second level of the towering plant. No injuries were reported. Lamar Fire & Emergency Services said: "It took crews approximately 30 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze and transition into overhaul operations to ensure no hidden hotspots remained."

The Prowers County Rural Fire Department also answered the alarm.

[Photos: Lamar Fire & Emergency Services]