*This story will continue to be updated as we gather more information
WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. (WFIE) – Officials say they are still determining the environmental and community impact after the chemical fire Saturday in Newburgh.
According to Ohio Township Fire Department, the fire was put out early Sunday morning.
They say “no hazardous materials have been detected leaving the property.”
Officials say the main chemicals involved in the fire were “combustible metals” such as magnesium, aluminum and zinc.
However, they have not been able to confirm if these metals were the ones that were burned.
Officials say the facility had numerous hazardous materials on site inside, but the building itself was not involved in the fire.
While putting the fire out, water run off into the nearby Vann lake was reported from the site, and they say the water is being analyzed at this time.
They say there is a high possibility some fish death due to the exposure of fire suppressant.
The Warrick County Health Department also ask that residents avoid contact with any ash in the area.
They say they are still determining how hazardous the ash is, but it is testing at a high PH and has the potential to cause chemical burns if touched.
Officials say they are working on a plan to get rid of the ash safely, but if you come into contact with it, have problems breathing or have any skin irritation, they advise you to seek medical attention.
If your business is covered in the ash, the health department advises you do not come into contact with it until the ash is cleaned up.
A website has been created for the community to report ash and fire debris. Click here to go to that website.
The Warrick County EMA and Commissioners are starting the process of issuing a local emergency disaster declaration to “provide the county with tools and resources needed to respond effectively” and access federal support if needed.
They say after review, the radius of the shelter in place order caused some people to receive alerts while others did not. They say the issue was resolved.
Authorities also confirmed PBTT was the same facility of a December fire where a small amount of hazardous materials were involved.
You can watch the full press release in the player below.
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