Chester plant fire ‘under control,’ but still burning a day later, officials say
A fire outside a Chester County industrial plant continued to burn Tuesday in some spots, more than a day after the blaze started, officials said.
The fire outside Carolina Poly, between Chester and Interstate 77, is contained and under control, said Eddie Murphy, Chester County Emergency Management Director.
“It’s not completely out, we have hot spots that are being worked on, but it’s under control,” Murphy said. “It’s smoldering in places.”
State mobilization allowed a large effort by firefighters from several counties, said Grant Suskin, public information officer for the Chester County Sheriff’s Department.
That effort by firefighters and Monday’s rainfall helped reduce the fire. A small presence will remain on scene until the fire is fully out, Suskin said.
On Monday, smoke could be seen for miles. Federal officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and South Carolina officials from the Department of Health and Environmental Control ordered air and water quality testing.
Runoff firefighting water from retention ponds will be trucked off and treated off-site, Murphy said.
Workers from the EPA and DHEC were still on scene Tuesday, Suskin said.
Air and water quality were tested Monday night. There are no hazards in the air or water at this time.
DHEC and the EPA will continue to monitor air and water quality until they are sure everything is safe.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Fire Marshall are conducting an investigation, Suskin said.
The fire among pallets, plastics, oil drums, tires, and trailers outside the plant started after 5 a.m. Monday. Its cause has not been determined.
More than 100 firefighters, South Carolina forestry workers, and other first-responders worked to control the fire. They built fire breaks between the flames and trees and contained the fire so the plant building was not damaged, Murphy said.
Five firefighters were injured Monday, including four who had heat-related problems and one who suffered a foot injury. Suskin said all five are currently out of the hospital and in good condition.
Murphy said there were no other injuries through Tuesday.
The plant was evacuated Monday but nearby residents were not.
On Monday, DHEC and Chester County Sheriff’s Office officials advised people who live or work nearby to stay away from the smoke, according to written releases.
Murphy said the Chester fire may have been as large, or larger, than a fire last week at an industrial plant in Texas. That fire was in Grand Prairie, Texas, near Dallas.
Carolina Poly Inc. produces trash bags, plastic sheeting, shrink films and other products. Part of Poly-America, one of the largest polyethylene film manufacturers in the U.S., Carolina Poly announced in 2015 a $100 million investment in Chester County. The 500-square-foot facility at 1580 Lancaster Highway began production in 2017.
The Texas fire last week was at a Poly-America facility, according to USA today, and other news reports.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 8:19 AM.
