FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE INDUSTRIAL BLAZE; SIX AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPOND

SCOTT CITY -- Firefighters from at least six departments were battling what was reported as a toxic chemical burn Saturday night at the Industrial Fuels and Resources plant in Scott City.

The plant, which reclaims waste solvents and converts the materials into fuels for use in cement kilns, is located in the Nash Road industrial tract, east of Interstate 55.

Firemen were first called at 8:55 p.m. A short time later, as a precautionary measure, the Scott City Mid-Summer Festival in the City Park was closed.

Lil Tilley, an employee of Rhodes City Truck Plaza, a quarter-mile north of the fire, reported that the immediate area there was also evacuated.

Several employees of the business volunteered to remain at the truck stop to provide assistance to emergency workers.

Just after the fire broke out, there were several explosions. Scott City Police Chief David Beck said firefighters initially tried to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings at the plant and discussed options for bringing the fire under control. Beck noted that firemen did not enter the building until about 10:10.

Brian Miller, director of the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Operations Center and an authority on hazardous materials, was also at the scene. He reported that while there were still some concerns about explosions and smoke spreading the toxic fumes, "we're not facing a crisis situation."

"We're trying to protect the warehouse structures while fighting the fire. The chemicals, while some can be toxic, it's not really bad," said Miller at 10:30 p.m. "We've got the right kind of equipment and the fire is not under control but we've got the situation pretty well under control."

As a precautionary measure, Miller said officials at Lone Star Industries, located north of the site, were advised that it might shut down for the evening and let employees go home.

Chris Muri, an employee at Rhodes 101 Stop on Main Street in Scott City, reported that smoke from the blaze was coming over the city. Muri noted that there was heavy traffic as people left Midsummer Festival early.

Firefighters and equipment from Scott City, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Delta, Gordonville, and East Cape County were all at the scene. Law enforcement officers from Cape Girardeau, Scott City, and the Cape and Scott County sheriff's departments were also at the scene to keep traffic taking the Nash Road exit.

Both counties also had ambulances at the scene, however, no injuries were reported as of 11 p.m.