Recycling plant rocked by blasts
- Share via
Early morning explosions sent fireballs hundreds of feet into the air as flames gutted an industrial chemical recycling plant south of Eau Claire.
Petroleum products and a variety of paint solvents are among the chemicals it handles.
No injuries were reported, and air monitoring had not shown any hazardous chemicals about nine hours later, State Patrol spokesman Brent Pickard said.
The fire started in the plant’s processing area and triggered a boiler explosion, said Waste Research and Reclamation President Jim Hager. About 10 workers were just finishing the night shift, he said.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.