Following an explosion that sent smoke billowing into the air, a fire broke out at a Carus Chemical plant in LaSalle, Illinois, on Wednesday morning.
According to Grove’s Facebook page, the city is monitoring the fire at the plant “to get more information.” No details about the cause of the fire were immediately available.
An explosion was reported at the plant around 9 a.m. local time, according to the News Tribune.
The paper reported that workers at Carus Chemical were evacuated and residents of the nearby 3rd and 4th wards were asked to shelter in place until about 12:30 p.m. local time.
As firefighters work to extinguish the fire, LaSalle Fire Chief Jerry Janick asked the public to avoid the area.
“New information will be obtained as it becomes available,” the fire chief said in the alert obtained by the outlet.
Due to the fire, responders released an oxidizer, which appears green, in the area, and residents were advised not to touch it. Police said citizens could deactivate the substance using a 1:1:1 mixture of vinegar, peroxide, and water if they find it near their residence.
Grove wrote in an update that the fire was “definitely under control” and that no evacuations were required.
Carus Chemical states that the company produces chemicals to treat drinking water.
Video of the fire can be seen below:
⚠️ HAPPENING NOW: Massive (4th alarm) fire has erupted at a chemical plant southwest of Chicago in La Salle, Illinois.
Fire, hazmat, and medical units en route. pic.twitter.com/fAVlr4qdY2
— Upward News (@UpwardNewsHQ) January 11, 2023