According to a report from WCNC, multiple fire companies responded to a three-alarm fire at a Bessemer City, North Carolina, lithium plant early Monday morning.
Gaston County Communications confirmed the fire at the Livent Corporation lithium plant along Bessemer City Kings Mountain Highway just before 1:20 a.m. As of 5:30 a.m., no injuries have been reported.
The incident closed down Highway 161 from JE Herndon Access Road to 14th Street, and nearby residents were encouraged to stay inside and not drive around barricades. No evacuation orders were made at this time.
The smoke from the incident could be smelled from nearly a mile away.
What caused the fire is now under investigation.
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