Sept. 24--Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire that erupted at a plastics manufacturing plant in Carson and injured four people.
Firefighters were called to the Plaskolite West plant in the 2200 block of East Del Amo Boulevard at 6:49 p.m. Monday, said Los Angeles County fire inspector Tony Akins. When crews arrived, they discovered heavy smoke coming from the roof.
"Anything involving plastic causes big black smoke, making it incredibly difficult to operate," Akins said.
More than 100 firefighters were called in to knock out the two-alarm fire. Authorities were concerned that a chemical agent used at the plant might cause a hazardous materials event, Akins said. The chemical was not a toxin, but an "irritant," he said.
The crews were able to beat back the blaze and prevent any harmful chemical reactions.
Three workers were taken to the hospital, including one for smoke inhalation and another for a burn. The injuries of the third victim were not immediately known, Akins said. Additionally, a firefighter was treated for minor injuries and released.
The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Copyright 2013 - Los Angeles Times
