By Beverly Harvey

Published: May 8, 2008

Opelika firefighters were able to contain a sawdust fire at a cabinetmaking business Wednesday afternoon to an outside hopper.

The fire at Van Nostrand Cabinet on Westend Court was reported to the Opelika Fire Department at 12:40 p.m.

When firefighters arrived, the fire was in the company’s sawdust collection system, which draws sawdust from machines to outside the building, Opelika Assistant Fire Chief Danny Cotney said.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire outside in the hopper, with only water damage to the inside of the building, Cotney said.

One firefighter received burns on his hand, but returned to work after a doctor’s visit, Cotney said.

Van Nostrand Cabinet was expected to be open Thursday, Opelika Fire Inspector Capt. Scott McBurney said.