PALM BAY, Fla. — An explosion led to a chemical plant fire Tuesday morning in Brevard County.
Police say a large explosion caused flames and billowing smoke just before 11 a.m. at FAR Chemical, Inc. in the area of US-1 and Robert J Conlan Boulevard in Palm Bay. Firefighters confirm the fire has been extinguished.
Investigators determined the explosion originated from an industrial storage area containing around 30 to 40 fifty-gallon barrels of an isopropyl alcohol-based solution. Hazmat teams are on scene and have confirmed the materials and the resulting plume of smoke are non-toxic.
Emergency crews said they did not know of any injuries at this time. One business was evacuated because of the explosion, but firefighters say no additional evacuations are required at this time.
First responders are still asking people to avoid the area.
People who live near the plant told Orlando CBS-affiliate WKMG they heard multiple explosions following the first one. One woman told WKMG the explosion shook her car while she was driving close to the plant.
FAR Chemical's website says it handles and processes complex and hazardous chemistries. One of the products listed on the website is acetylacetonate, which is typically used as a catalyst in paints/coatings, polyurethane elastomers and foams, solvent-based pressure sensitive adhesives, specialty chemical processing and other applications.
Its website says it has a 35-year history of safe and responsible operations at the Palm Bay plant.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 Tampa bay for updates.
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