According to a report from ABC7, officials will offer an update Thursday afternoon on the status of the region’s air and water quality after a massive fire broke out at around 9 a.m. at the Carus Chemical plant at 1500 Eighth Street in La Salle, Illinois, Wednesday morning.
The residential area around the plant looks to be awash with chemicals. A shelter-in-place was ordered for several hours after the incident as a precaution, but has since been lifted.
One firefighter was slightly injured on scene.
As of Thursday morning, officials indicated that area residents are now free to go about their normal routine as work is being done to find out what caused the incident.
The chemical plant manufactures potassium permanganate, a noncombustible, but which can accelerate the burning of explosive material once it ignites.
As firefighters contained and then extinguished the chemical fire, a representative with Carus Chemical tried to reassure local residents.
Officials are warning residents to avoid green residue that has been seen in the area. The La Salle Police Department said an oxidizer, which appears green in color, has been released. Police said not to touch the substance, and that it can be deactivated.
As environmental workers monitor the air and water for any possible contamination, the mayor of La Salle is thankful, acknowledging it could have been worse.
RELATED
