Georgia town told to shelter in place due to chemical plant fire

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ga. — Emergency officials are warning residents of a Middle Georgia town to shelter in place as a chemical fire burns nearby.

Fire crews on Thursday were battling the flames at the Olin Epoxy plant in Crawford County, WMAZ-TV reported.

The emergency management department is advising people to stay away from Industrial Parkway as a precaution.

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Emergency Manager Director Ricky Sharon says they’re also asking for people in Roberta to stay inside because the fire is releasing toxic chemicals into the air.

Sharon told WMAZ-TV the emergency was caused by an “unexpected chemical reaction.”

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

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The plant is about 25 miles west of Macon.

Clayton, Missouri-based Olin is the leading global supplier of epoxy materials, according to its website. It has offices and manufacturing plants in several U.S. cities and more than 20 nations.

Olin makes epoxy systems that are used primarily in the fabrication of wind turbine blades, according to the local Chamber of Commerce’s website.

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Information from the Associated Press was used in this report

Large Industrial Fire Prompts Nearby Evacuations Large Industrial Fire Prompts Nearby Evacuations

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