Fire Erupts at Chemical Plant in Illinois
All employees were accounted for and no injuries were reported after a large fire broke at the Carus chemical plant sent thick plumes of smoke over the city of La Salle, Illinois, on Wednesday morning, January 11, fire officials said.
This footage shot by Ricky Pellican a few blocks from the plant shows smoke billowing out. Pellican said he could hear the sound of explosions from the site.
La Salle Fire Chief Jerry Janick, speaking to media at around noon, said crews responded at about 9 am and said the blaze had been largely contained. The plant sustained significant damage, Janick said. He said he could not confirm reports of explosions.
A precautionary shelter-in-place order remained in effect for areas north and west of the plant, Janick added.
The La Salle Police Department warned residents not to touch a green-colored oxidizer that been released in the area.
“If you see this substance near or on your residence it can be deactivated. In order to deactivate it, you will need a 1:1:1 mixture of: 1 gallon of water, 1 gallon of peroxide, 1 gallon of vinegar,” police wrote.
Carus’ website says the company is a family-owned chemical manufacturer founded in 1915 that provides “innovative solutions for municipal water, wastewater, industrial applications, air purification, and soil remediation.” Credit: Ricky Pellican via Storyful
Video Transcript
[ALARM RINGING]
- Am I allowed to go home tonight?
[ALARM RINGING]
Am I allowed to go home tonight?
[ALARM RINGING]
Am I allowed to go home tonight?
[ALARM RINGING]
Am I allowed to go home tonight?
[ALARM RINGING]
Am I allowed to go home tonight?
