A metal siding production facility caught fire at midday Thursday in Hopkins, authorities said.

Flames and smoke were rising from the roof until firefighters brought the blaze under control barely over an hour later at EDCO Industries on Pierce Avenue, said Police Sgt. Matt Struck.

Struck said the building just off Excelsior Avenue and west of Blake Road was evacuated of employees by the time police and fire personnel arrived shortly before noon.

Fire Chief Dale Specken said, "Right now, it looks like a fire in a smoke stack for one of the [production] ovens" is where the blaze originated.

EDCO has been producing metal siding and roofs since 1946.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482