WKBT.com
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — A huge chemical plant fire that caused explosions and the evacuation of nearby residents is out, according to the Township Fire Department.
Mark Briski with the Township Fire Department says they received a call at about 5:40 a.m. for a boiler explosion at the Waste Research and Reclamation Co. Briski says crews were battling the fire, but were pulled back at around 7:00 a.m. when the fire grew too dangerous. At one point, a chemical explosion resulted in a concussive boom and sent flames more than 300 feet in the air. Briski says they are letting the fire burn out, but are monitoring several points that are in danger of exploding.
Residents and businesses within three-quarters of a mile were evacuated as a precaution. That mandatory evacuation is over. The State Patrol spokesman Brent Pickard says there have been reports of minor injuries. The Eau Claire Fire Department is monitoring air quality for approximately 300 chemicals, but there is no indication that the air is harmful to residents.
Full Story: Firefighters Put Out Large Eau Claire Chemical Fire