Clouds of thick black smoke and jets of fire began pouring from a chemical plant south of Dallas on Monday. The flames prompted area evacuations, including students attending classes at both a nearby elementary school and a college.
The afflicted plant goes by the name Magnablend Chemical, and it’s located in Waxahachie, Texas, about 30 miles south of Dallas. The company’s website was intermittently up and down this afternoon as the news of the fire spread. On it, Magnablend describes itself as “a custom chemical blending, manufacturing and packaging company” and says it “manufactures products based on each customer’s own formulations and specifications, but can assist in the development of new formulations as well.”
“Everybody is out and safe,” the plant’s owner Donald Golden told CNN, noting the fire started at about 10:30 a.m. Central time.
News outlets are still waiting for an explanation of what actually caused the fire, but it sounds like the blaze was so intense, firefighters opted to stand by and let it go. Early reports say the blaze does contain chemicals, so if you’re in the vicinity, it’s probably best to stay well away. The Associated Press notes people in the area have been told to remain inside with the doors closed.