KAUKAUNA, Wisconsin (From news reports) - A fire at Ahlstrom's Thilmany paper mill in Kaukauna is now under control, according to Kaukauna Mayor Tony Penterman.

The mayor said fire crews were called to the mill a little after 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, for a fire on a conveyor belt going into the mill. The belt carries wood into the mill.

Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the scene as multiple neighboring fire departments responded to the call, helping the City of Kaukauna Fire department put out the fire.

There were no injuries.

A company official released a statement that said,

A fire occurred at Ahlstrom's Thilmany paper mill in Kaukauna during the afternoon of May 16, 2026. Local emergency personnel responded to extinguish the fire and there were no injuries. The safety of our employees and the community is our top priority. Local authorities remain on-site, and we are working with them to assess the incident.

The mayor anticipates fire crews will remain on scene for awhile Saturday night dealing with hot spots.

A cause of the fire or the estimate of damage is unknown.