HUDSON, N.C. — Hudson residents said they don't feel safe living close to the RPM Chemical Coatings plant, and they want the federal government to mandate significant safety changes.
Thursday's fire at the RPM plant off Highway 321 was the second serious fire in less than a year.
All 250 employees were evacuated because of the fire. One worker was rushed to the hospital with serious burns.
Workers at the RPM plant handle highly flammable and toxic chemicals to make coatings for furniture.
Last May, a fire started in an RPM chemical storage area, and it quickly spread to two nearby businesses. Those businesses were heavily damaged.
The EPA was worried about toxic fumes spreading to nearby homes. Police evacuated every family within two-miles of the smoke plume.
"Two fires, 11 months apart. Are you scared?" asked Eyewitness News.
"I am. I really am," said Jon Polk, who was one of the 750 residents evacuated last year.
Jon Polk said RPM Chemical Coatings is a major employer, but he believes there are significant safety risks inside the plant.
"It's kind of sketchy," Polk said. "Kind of makes me want to move to a safer place."
After Thursday's fire, many nearby residents told Eyewitness News the plant needs to make changes, or it should be shut down.
"It's kind of like déjà vu," said Taylor Ward. "I think there's something going on inside, and they need to take more safety precautions."
Firefighters said Thursday's fire was smaller than last year and no toxic fumes were released.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration visited the RPM Chemical Coatings plant last May to evaluate working conditions.
Eyewitness News left a voicemail with an OSHA spokesperson Thursday night and asked if it plans on visiting the chemical plant again.