An explosion and subsequent fire at an Illinois chemical plant forced nearby residents to shelter in place. The fire started at the Carus Chemical Company in LaSalle, Illinois. The company said that the fire began in the shipping area of the facility.
CBS Chicago reported that the Environmental Protection Agency was on site testing both the air and water near the facility.
According to NBC 5 News Chicago, the fire released a “green substance” into the surrounding area. LaSalle police warned residents not to touch the substance unless it had been “deactivated,” which could be achieved by washing the infected item with a 1:1:1 mixture of water, peroxide, and vinegar.
ABC 7 News Chicago reported that Carus set up a hotline to provide affected residents with additional information.