WCSC
Reprinted with Permission

HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) - The large fire that completely destroyed the Agrium Fertilizer Plant in Hartsville continues to burn Tuesday morning as emergency crews continue their efforts to completely smother the fire.


Firefighters, first responders, and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control representatives were among the scene overnight into Tuesday morning monitoring the flames to ensure there was no rekindling.

A major concern Monday night was the smoke that possibly carried dangerous chemicals, such as acid and carbon monoxide, into the air. The U.S. Environmental Agency set up air quality monitoring equipment brought in from Columbia, and Adam Myrick with DHEC has confirmed that the smoke is now clear; the department used three different monitoring systems over night testing different locations of the area and report they did not find anything hazardous.

Myrick says a representative from the EPA's office out of Atlanta will be on scene Tuesday morning to begin water quality testing of the lake adjacent to the plant in connection with DHEC. He adds they have determined that no drinking water is pulled directly from the lake. He says they have still not determined the chemicals present in the plant at the time of the blaze.

Mayor Pennington says firefighters from around the state have descended on Hartsville to help with the firefighting efforts. He says crews have come in from Sumpter, Conway, Florence, and Columbia.

Pennington adds that a contracted crew is expected to arrive on scene Tuesday morning to begin demolition to part of the three story building to aid in the firefighting efforts.

According to the mayor, the Sonoco plant halted production overnight to send their own resources to help in the containment of the blaze. He says production is expected to pick back up around 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Lt. Brian Rudick, spokesman for the Hartsville Police Department, said the call went out around 6:47 p.m. Monday night. Upon arrival, units discovered the plant fully engulfed.

Eye witnesses say they saw a large fire ball in the area. There were no explosions, the loud noises heard were pressurized containers.

The fire caused severe traffic issues, and authorities continue to ask the public to avoid the Fifth Street area around the lake, as well as Society Avenue and Lakeview Boulevard Tuesday morning.

Rudick said all roads area roads were blocked Monday night, and at least five fire departments responded to the scene the scene in the first moments of the blaze.

Residents within one-half to three-quarters of a mile around the plant were evacuated.

Angela Nichols with the Horry County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the Red Cross sent three volunteers to assist with a shelter. They are also on standby to assist as needed.

There are currently no reported injuries.

A firefighter on scene was said to have worked for Agrium, and helped crews figure out the structure of the building.

Linwood Epps, spokesman for the Darlington County Emergency Management Agency, said a shelter has been opened at the T.B. Thomas Sports Center on Washington Street.

Linda Booth with the American Red Cross said at least 75 people are currently at the shelter. The Red Cross also provided food to 200 people, including first responders at the scene.

Hartsville Mayor Mel Pennington said Society Avenue toward Alphabet Streets were evacuated to the shelter.

The building is unfortunately a loss, and the area has lost one of its major industries. Agrium currently had 50 to 60 employees.

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