Jessica Bravo
Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
(TNS)
Jun. 25—FRANKLIN — Police say arson is not suspected in a large warehouse fire that forced people to remain indoors as pesticides and other chemicals spread through the smoke on Monday.
The fire, which occurred at The Plant Group on Pond Road (Route 207), was reported around 3:10 a.m. Monday. The fire burned for hours and crews remained at the scene until Monday afternoon.
Several toxins, including pesticides, ammonia and fertilizer were inside the warehouse and were emanated into the air through the smoke and flames, state police said. They said a shelter in place was ordered until the air was tested.
State police said there is no evidence of “suspected criminal aspect at this time.”
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection did not respond to inquires about the air quality of the area on Tuesday.
More than 10 fire departments from surrounding areas responded to the scene and worked with Franklin firefighters to extinguish the flames.
“Unfortunately, electrical power entering this area hampered extinguishment progress, crews were able to use hand lines to keep fire from spreading to outside fuel tanks, greenhouses and propane,” the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department said.
Crews were at the scene until around 2:30 p.m. The building suffered serious damage along with a partial roof collapse, the department said. Officials said two responding firefighters were transported to the hospital for evaluation and has since been released.
The Plant Group’s website says the wholesaler “is the largest supplier of perennials in New England.” The website also says the company has been running for nearly 40 years and is located on 50 acres of land.
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