Chemical fire contained in Avalon

Barry Byers Posted March 30, 2009 2:49am Events

Image: Lights from Fire Personnel — Emergency crews lit up the area with lights, while working to contain the fire. — Lights from Fire Personnel — Emergency crews lit up the area with lights, while working to contain the fire. (Michael South)

Tonight at approximately 8:30 p.m., emergency personnel from around the county responded to a chemical fire at the Phillip Service Corporation (PSC) plant located in Avalon. Homes had to be evacuated with a couple of Avalon residents taking shelter at the Italy Fire Department. The fire was quickly contained around 9:00 p.m.

Everyone in a 2 mile radius had to be evacuated. Hazmat teams have responded to the scene. Anyone that entered that plant area had to be decontaminated since the chemicals released into the air were acetone and keytone. Ten mph South Easterly winds were on the side of emergency crews as they carried the chemical fumes in a fairly safe direction.

Early reports are that a couple of 55 gallon drums ignited but details were sketchy. DPS troopers kept citizens from approaching the contaminated areas.

Avoid the Avalon area if possible. Some areas of the town may still be blocked off. Any immediate danger to citizens south of Avalon is non existent at this time.