Huge Fire at Waxahachie Chemical Plant

WAXAHACHIE, Texas - A massive fire broke out at a chemical plant in Waxahachie late Monday morning, sending huge plumes of black smoke and explosions billowing into the air. Despite the incredible fire, no one was injured.

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The Magnablend facility at 1601 US Highway 287 was fully engulfed in huge fireballs of flame by 11 a.m. According to Waxahachie Fire Chief David Hudgins, the fire began with an "adverse chemical reaction."

It's not yet clear what chemicals were involved, or what chemicals were in the plant.

The fire got perilously close to several rail cars loaded with a hazardous solvent known as naptha that were parked on a track near the plant. However, the rail cars did not catch fire.

One fire truck was lost when fiery liquid spilled beneath the vehicle and firefighters could not move it in time.

By 5 p.m., Hudgins said the fire was 95 percent contained. He said crews would remain at the scene through the night putting out hot spots.

An EPA representative said monitors are in place to test the air quality and runoff water in the area and so far everything seems safe.

EVACUATIONS

The Ellis County Sheriff's office did ask everyone working in the area of I-35E and Highway 287 to evacuate. Those residents were allowed to return home after about 4 p.m.

Wedgeworth Elementary, the Waxahachie ISD school closest to the plant, was evacuated about noon. All students were taken by bus to the Ninth Grade Academy's Solis Gymnasium. Parents were able to pick up their children there.

Navarro College's Waxahachie campus was evacuated and all classes were cancelled for the rest of the day. The school has some 2500 students, according to school president Dr. Richard Sanchez.

Life School Red Oak Elementary and Secondary campuses closed at 1:25 p.m. and sent all of their students home.

Waxahachie is about 30 miles south of Dallas, in Ellis County.