Cooper Tire plant in Tupelo apparently on fire

Black smoke was seen about the Cooper Tire plant in Tupelo about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, apparently from a fire.

No further information was available at the time.

These photos were taken about 11:30.

WTVA reported a statement from Cooper officials shortly before noon:

“The health and safety of those who work in Cooper Tire facilities is our first priority. There was a fire at our Tupelo tire manufacturing plant earlier today that appears to be localized to one area of the plant. As a precaution, everyone has been evacuated from the plant and there are no injuries. The fire department continues at the scene. At this time, we are not able to determine when work may safely resume at the facility, but we are keeping the workforce informed.”