An industrial fire that broke out Wednesday evening at an industrial complex in Hometown drew fire and other emergency responders from several communities.

Firefighters were dispatched by the Schuylkill Communications Center to Silberline Manufacturing Company, 36 Progress Ave., at 7:43 p.m. for a reported commercial fire at Tidewood East Industrial Park.

The firm is a global supplier of special effect and performance paint pigments and uses aluminum powder in production, a substance considered highly flammable.

According to those at the scene, fire broke out at a mixer cylinder in the highly secure facility.

The plant reportedly deploys an in-house argon fire suppression system to extinguish flames, meaning that first responders from local

communities staged trucks along Progress Avenue and monitored the situation as an in-house response team handled the development.

"The argon system apparently did its job," said a firefighter after being on standby for an hour.

Because of the chemicals involved, the area was closed to traffic at Tide Road, access road to several nearby industries. Those reporting to jobs for an 8 p.m. shift change at those neighboring industries had to park elsewhere and walk to their work-sites. Similarly, those leaving their shifts also were delayed in exiting the park while the fire was addressed.

Those industries include Transwestern Polymers, Reynolds Consumer Products and Elk Lighting.

"The chief said don't let anybody down there," explained Merle Wertman, captain, Hometown fire police, as workers arriving in vehicles were turned away. Some of those cars carried multiple workers, most unaware of the emergency.

A damage estimate wasn't available and no injuries were reported.

A similar fire in the same Silberline building broke out on September 15, 2015. The company also maintains a separate building in Hometown, Silberline Global Headquarters located on Lincoln Drive.

Fire responders included units from Tamaqua, Hometown, Quakake, with ambulance and rescue units from Ryan Township and Tamaqua.