WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A fire early Thursday morning at the former Treatco plant has produced heavy smoke and smell in the area. The fire started around 4 a.m. and continues to burn.

The Wichita Fire Department says the building was deemed unsafe years ago, so firefighters are fighting the fire from the outside.

Around 3 p.m., the fire department announced it is reducing operations at the scene.

“We are not able to directly attack the fire but will have crews on scene to monitor the situation until it is self-extinguished,” the department said on Twitter.

They said there is no need to call 911.

A cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

Update on the Treatco Fire:

At this time, WFD crews have reduced operations to the point where we are monitoring spot fires within the structure. We are not able to directly attack the fire but will have crews on scene to monitor the situation until it is self-extinguished. pic.twitter.com/Aoe7jruMxp — WichitaFireDept (@WichitaFireDept) February 20, 2020

Fire still burning @ the former Treatco plant, 2300 blk N Broadway. Dispatchers ask to remind the public that if they see heavy smoke in this area, around the building, there is no need to call 911. Crews will remain on scene for an extended time. #WichitaFD #Fire #ICTupdate pic.twitter.com/rzNCfbFqNp — WichitaFireDept (@WichitaFireDept) February 20, 2020

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