Three firefighters are injured in James City

A fire and acid spill at a metal plating company near Toano in James City County resulted in three firefighters being taken to a hospital yesterday evening.

The fire broke out from a heater that activated a sprinkler system about 7:30 p.m. at the Greystone of Virginia plating operation, James City fire district Chief Bob Ryalls said.

The sprinkler system forced two, 120-gallon vats of chromic acid to overflow, creating noxious smoke and corrosive problems.

As many as 50 firefighters responded from York and James City counties as well as a hazardous-materials unit from Newport News. The problem was contained by about 9 p.m., Ryalls said.

Three firefighters needed medical attention and were hospitalized; one experienced a burning sensation in his eyes, while another inhaled fumes. A third firefighter broke his foot, authorities said.

Greystone of Virginia began operations in 1992 in a 15,000-square-foot facility in the 7900 block of Richmond Road. The firm supplies metal-plated products to the automotive industry. The company's headquarters is in Rhode Island.

Damage estimates were unavailable. -- Bill McKelway