Isle Manufacturing Plant Damaged By Fire

A fire at a manufacturing plant in Isle prompted the evacuation of nearby residents Friday morning. There was some conflicting information about whether residents were being allowed back into their homes. The Isle fire chief was on the scene but could not be contacted. The extent of the damage to the building is unclear and no injuries have been reported. A dispatcher at the Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office says the report of the fire at Merit Enterprises Inc., came in shortly after 5:00am Friday morning and officials ordered the evacuation because they feared toxic chemicals could be released by the fire. However, she says she didn't think that happened. Merit Enterprises says on its website that it is a metal finishing company that has been plating parts with precious metals for more than 50 years.