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A chemical fire is burning at a facility in Westlake, La., in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
The Biolab, Inc., plant complex makes chlorine for swimming pools. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Press Secretary Greg Langley confirmed the location of the fire for New Orleans Public Radio.
Louisiana State Police confirmed that a hazmat team is responding. The plant is located near where the storm made landfall on Wednesday night.
The Cajun Navy, a southern Louisiana volunteer group that responds to natural disasters, shared this video of smoke rising over the city.
“Residents are advised to shelter in place until further notice and close your doors and windows. Follow the directions of local officials,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted.
🚨There is a chemical fire in the Westlake/Moss Bluff/Sulphur area. Residents are advised to shelter in place until further notice and close your doors and windows. Follow the directions of local officials.🚨
— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) August 27, 2020
The state also pushed out an emergency text notice. It wasn’t immediately clear how much damage the fire is causing within the plant or what hazards it presents to local residents.
Louisiana State Police say Interstate 10, a major thoroughfare running along southern Louisiana, was shut down in preparation for Hurricane Laura and remains closed.
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