Tag

Toxic Smoke

All articles tagged with #toxic smoke

environment1 year ago

Federal Investigation Unveils New Insights on Georgia BioLab Fire

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has released new details on the September BioLab fire in Conyers, which led to the evacuation of 17,000 people due to toxic smoke. The fire, which started after a chemical reaction involving oxidizers, resulted in significant environmental and public safety concerns. The CSB is investigating the cause and handling of the materials involved, while BioLab faces multiple lawsuits and criticism for its communication with local officials. The incident highlights the risks associated with reactive chemicals and the need for stringent safety measures.

environment1 year ago

Federal Probe Unveils New Details in BioLab Fire

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has released new details on the September BioLab fire in Conyers, which led to evacuations and hospitalizations due to toxic smoke. The fire, caused by chemical reactions involving oxidizers, resulted in significant environmental and public safety concerns. The CSB is investigating the incident, focusing on the storage and handling of reactive chemicals. BioLab has faced previous incidents and is now facing lawsuits, including a federal one from Rockdale County. Cleanup and monitoring efforts continue as the long-term impacts remain uncertain.

breaking-news2 years ago

"Explosions and Toxic Smoke: Evacuations Ordered at Nebraska Rail Yard"

Emergency crews have contained a railcar fire involving "heavy toxic smoke" at the Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yards near North Platte. The fire was caused by an explosion in one container car and led to an emergency evacuation order for the surrounding area. Highway 30 is closed, but Interstate 80 is unaffected. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

safety2 years ago

Toxic Chemical Explosion Forces Evacuation West of North Platte

An evacuation order in North Platte, Nebraska, has been lifted after a railcar carrying perchloric acid exploded at Union Pacific's Bailey Yard. The explosion caused several railcars to catch fire, but there was no derailment. The North Platte Fire Department evacuated nearby residents due to toxic smoke, but no injuries were reported. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Perchloric acid is a hazardous chemical used in various industries, including food, drugs, and explosives.

environment2 years ago

Toxic Smoke from Solar Farm Fire Forces Residents to Shelter in Place

Residents within a 1-mile radius of a solar farm fire in the town of Lyme, New York, are being advised to shelter in place due to potentially toxic smoke caused by burning batteries. The fire, which started in the afternoon, has prompted the deployment of the county's hazmat team and multiple fire departments. Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state agencies to assist local officials and has deployed personnel to the site. The public is urged to follow health guidance and avoid exposure to the smoke or other toxins.

weather2 years ago

Weather and Air Quality Woes: Indianapolis Braces for Rain, Severe Storms, and Poor Air Conditions

Severe weather, including thunderstorms, is expected in Central Indiana in the coming days, potentially helping to clear out the toxic smoke from Canadian wildfires. The National Weather Service warns of possible severe storms with wind, hail, and isolated tornadoes. Forecasters suggest Hoosiers stay alert and have multiple ways of receiving storm warnings. Rain showers could cleanse the air and push the smoke away, providing some relief from the hazy conditions. Showers and thunderstorms are forecasted throughout the weekend.

environment2 years ago

Indiana Recycling Plant Fire Raises Safety Concerns and Health Risks

A plastics recycling plant in Indiana has been burning since Tuesday afternoon, emitting potentially hazardous smoke, soot, and ash into the surrounding community. The US Environmental Protection Agency is conducting around-the-clock air quality monitoring due to concerns that the fire may be releasing debris contaminated with asbestos and toxic chemicals from the incinerated plastics. An evacuation order remains in effect for some 2,000 residents who live within a half-mile radius of the plant. Local leaders had expressed concerns since at least 2019 that the recycling plant was riddled with fire hazards and building code violations.

disasters2 years ago

Indiana Recycling Plant Fire Forces Evacuation and School Closure in Richmond Community

A recycling plant fire in Richmond, Indiana, emitting toxic smoke has forced evacuation orders for about 2,000 people, and the battle to put it out is expected to drag on for days. Plastics were among the items that started burning, and the smoke is "definitely toxic," according to Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. The cause of the fire is unknown, and no serious injuries have been reported. Air quality monitoring is set to continue as smoke dissipates, and residents downwind of the evacuation zone were encouraged to shelter in place.

disasters2 years ago

Indiana residents forced to evacuate due to toxic fire at recycling plant.

A fire caused by a burning tractor-trailer at a facility storing plastics and other recyclables in Richmond, Indiana, led to the evacuation of over 2,000 people living within a half-mile radius. The thick plume of black smoke was visible on satellite radar, and officials warned that the smoke was toxic to breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management were evaluating any potential hazards. One firefighter was injured, and the fire was still burning with no known end time.

disasters2 years ago

"Massive Industrial Fire in Richmond, Indiana Forces Evacuation of 2,000 Residents"

A fire at a plastic storage facility in Indiana led to an evacuation order for 2,000 residents within a half-mile radius of the blaze. The fire spread to six nearby buildings but has been contained. The smoke is "definitely toxic," and the evacuation order may be expanded if the wind blows the smoke in different directions. Burning plastic releases toxic gases such as dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls into the atmosphere. No one was hurt in the blaze.

disasters2 years ago

Multiple Recycling Plant Fires Spark Evacuation Orders and Toxic Smoke Emissions

A recycling plant fire in Richmond, Indiana, has forced evacuation orders for about 2,000 people due to toxic smoke emitting from burning plastics. The fire is expected to burn for days, and residents within a half-mile of the fire have been evacuated. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management are evaluating potential hazards resulting from the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown, and one firefighter was injured.

disasters2 years ago

Massive Industrial Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate in Richmond, Indiana

A large industrial fire broke out in Richmond, Indiana, prompting officials to issue an evacuation order for residents within half a mile of the fire. Those outside the radius are encouraged to shelter in place. The fire has been contained on three sides, but the evacuation order is still in place. The smoke is toxic, and the EPA and Indiana Department of Environmental Management Team are on site testing the air quality. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

disasters2 years ago

"Industrial Fires Spark Evacuations in Indiana and Richmond"

An industrial fire broke out at an abandoned Hoffco factory in Richmond, Indiana, which was being used to store plastics, prompting evacuations and warnings of "toxic" smoke. Those living within half a mile of the factory were urged to evacuate, while residents outside of the evacuation zone who live downwind of the fire were told to shelter in place. The fire had been contained on three sides as of Tuesday evening, but firefighters expect to be working to fully extinguish the blaze and monitoring the fire "for the next few days."

disasters2 years ago

Multiple Industrial Fires Spark Evacuations in Indiana and Richmond

A large industrial fire at a facility in Richmond, Indiana, storing plastics and other recyclables has caused officials to order an evacuation of nearby areas. The fire, caused by a burning tractor-trailer, sent thick, choking clouds of black smoke high enough into the atmosphere they were visible on satellite radar. As many as 2,011 residents living within a half-a-mile radius of the fire were evacuated, and officials have said the smoke is toxic to breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency and Indiana Department of Environmental Management are on site and evaluating any potential hazards resulting from the fire.