Residents in LaSalle were told to stay in their homes Wednesday as fire engulfed a chemical plant.
LaSalle Fire Chief Jerry Janick said rews found heavy fire coming from the Carus chemical plant. Additional resources from neighboring areas responded to assist.
Company officials said the fire started in the plant's shipping area, CBS2 reported.
By about 2:30 p.m., firefighters deemed the fire under control. However, they were still on the scene Wednesday evening.
The chief said one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Dense smoke was visible from a wide area and residents heard a blast during the fire.
Earlier, the cloud of smoke stretched through the sky, while the sound of the blast from the fire shook the city of LaSalle.
According to the company's website, they produce potassium permanganate, an oxidant used to treat drinking water, wastewater, and industrial chemicals.
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