JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --
Firefighters battled a blaze Wednesday afternoon when a boiler caught fire at a Westside plant that manufacturers cans for Anheuser-Busch.
Jacksonville Fire-Rescue reported heavy smoke and flames were visible when the first units arrived at the Metal Container Corporation at 1100 North Ellis Street. A hazardous materials team was also dispatched to the fire.
Ellis Road between Fifth Street and Commonwealth Avenue were closed while firefighters worked in the area.
Four surrounding businesses were evacuated when rain kept smoke and vapor containing a chemical from the plant from dissipating quickly. The chemical -- biphenyl ethane benzene -- is irritating, but not life-threatening.
"They told us we had to be careful because of a fire with some chemicals in the air," said Taurus Kelsey, who works across the street from the plant.
While the fire was contained quickly, the street remained closed at 5:30 p.m. as JFRD worked to combat any flare-ups.
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