Ice cream containers are seen at the Skowhegan-based Gifford's Famous Ice Cream company in this 2014 file photo. Credit: Gabor Degre / BDN

A fire damaged part of the Gifford’s Ice Cream plant in Skowhegan on Thursday.

The fire on Hathaway Street reportedly started in the processing room around 9:30 a.m., according to officials with Gifford’s Ice Cream.

Gifford’s said 36 people were inside the plant when the fire started, and everyone was able to get out safely and without injury.

The fire was contained within the hour and has been extinguished.