Fire damages Pennsylvania agri-chemical plant

Jun 09, 2015

Blaze happened at Miller Chemical and Fertilizer

Fire officials in and around Conewago Township in Adams County, Pennsylvania are trying to figure out what triggered a fire at a south-central Pennsylvania agri-chemical plant.

The fire at Miller Chemical and Fertilizer, a company that specializes in manufacturing and global marketing of non-hazardous crop protection, started around 3:30am Monday morning and when firefighters arrived, they decided to let the fire burn out.

Fireman

The size of the fire required the assistance of about 10 fire companies, the state police fire marshal and the state Department of Environmental Protection. Representatives from Miller Chemical and Fertilizer are also cooperating.

Air quality tests showed the smoke in the air isn’t toxic, but residents within a 1-mile radius were asked to seek shelter as a precautionary measure and businesses were asked to remain closed.

“At this time all of our readings (show) there’s no hazards to health (and) to the community,” said Chief Tom Lawrence of the Southeastern Adams Volunteer Emergency Services told Fox43.

The outcome could’ve been much different.

If the wind was pushing the smoke towards the houses, they would’ve been asked to evacuate.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire but some people did say their eyes were burning, an unpleasant smell was in the air and many containers inside the plant were heard exploding. One police officer suffered minor injuries while directing traffic around the scene of the blaze.

The financial ramifications of the fire and what caused it are still unknown, but the building is being described as a total loss.

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