SLAYTON — The warehouse area of a Slayton printing plant was extensively damaged in a fire Wednesday afternoon, and a total of four people were treated for smoke inhalation, Slayton Police said.

One person was later airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for observation, and was expected to be released Thursday, said Slayton Police Chief Jeremy Steinle.

The Murray County Sheriff’s Office dispatch got a fire alarm call at Page 1 Printers in Slayton around 4 p.m. Wednesday. A person at the scene also confirmed there was a fire in the warehouse area of the plant, Slayton Police said. When law enforcement arrived, heavy smoke and fire were seen coming from the warehouse. Officers evacuated people inside the building, and the Murray County Ambulance was called to evaluate patients who were inside during the fire, Slayton Police said.

Around 6 p.m., the Slayton Fire Department called the Lake Wilson Fire Department for help with manpower. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the warehouse area of the plant.

“Although there is extensive fire and water damage to the warehouse, there is only a minimal impact to production expected at the plant, and they anticipate being up and running again very quickly,” Steinle said in a news release.

Four people were transported to Murray County Medical Center for smoke inhalation treatment, Steinle said. Three were treated and released, and the fourth was later airlifted to St. Paul for observation of non life-threatening injuries.

“I would like to commend the Slayton and Lake Wilson Fire Departments, along with the Murray County Ambulance, for a job well done,” Steinle said. “Their skilled actions prevented loss of life and ensured that a valuable business in Slayton was not lost. I would also like to thank my officers and the deputies of the Murray County Sheriff’s Office for their work keeping the scene safe and allowing the fire departments to operate without interference.”