For the 14th time this year, firefighters have responded to a fire at the former SMART Papers facility in Hamilton.

Around 9 a.m. Thursday, Hamilton fire personnel were dispatched to 601 N. B St., the former SMART Papers plant. Upon arrival, smoke was found issuing from several floors of the four-story structure, located at the south end of the complex, according to Deputy Chief Lawrence Gassert.

The fire department has been dispatched to the former paper plant 14 times this year, according to Deputy Chief Mark Mercer. There were five building fires — the first in early June, he said, with additional fires in September, October and twice in December.

Gassert said the fire was started by workers at the site who were using cutting tools to remove recyclable items from the building. Once inside, Gassert said firefighters were faced with several fire locations and moderate to heavy smoke.

“Further complicating operations was the danger of large holes in the floor where paper machines once stood,” Gassert said. “These openings can allow firefighters to fall through multiple floors at distances as high as 30 feet.”

No injuries were reported in the blaze, Gassert said. Units were on scene for about two and a half hours, with mutual aid received from Hanover and St. Clair townships.

No damage estimate was available Friday.

The portion of the building that caught fire Thursday was acquired earlier this year by Green Reclamation Group of Fleetwood, Pa., according to City Manager Joshua Smith. The City of Hamilton continues to retain a portion of the former SMART Papers that fronts the Great Miami River for later redevelopment.