CRESCO, IA -- A Monday night fire destroyed a warehouse and dry kiln at SMIco a manufacturer of wooden pallets.

Employees working the second shift when the blaze ignited were credited for helping prevent it from spreading to the production area by deploying fire extinguishers, according to WCF Courier.

Upwards 10,000 pallets were destroyed in the warehouse, representing nearly two days of production. The plant, which employs 65 people, was reportedly back in operation on Tuesday.

SIMco makes new and recycled wood pallets. The company also operates a sawmill at a separate, nearby location.