North Carolina

Fire that released sulfuric acid at Rutherford County zinc plant contained

MOORESBORO, N.C. — A fire at a zinc production plant in North Carolina has been contained. The blaze had released sulfuric acid into the air and led to evacuations of nearby residents.

American Zinc Products said in a statement Monday that firefighters contained the blaze in Mooresboro. The company added that none of its employees were injured and all are accounted for.

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The fire started Sunday night at the plant, which lies near the border between North and South Carolina. Deputies went door-to-door warning people to evacuate as the burning plant released sulfuric acid. The county says about a half-mile area has been evacuated.

Resident Wyman Buckner said the smoke blew over his roof.

"See the orange glow in the sky?" Buckner said.

He feared that a fire there would’ve happened years ago when he learned about plans to build a zinc recycling plant a quarter-of-a-mile from his home.

Rutherford County Assistant Fire Marshal John Greenway said crews were pulled from fighting the flames because their uniforms tested positive for hazardous materials.

He said the decision was a cautionary measure until officials determined what chemicals they're dealing with.

Deputies went door-to-door warning people within a half-mile radius to evacuate because the burning plant released sulfuric acid into the air, which is a corrosive chemical that can burn the eyes, the stomach and cause breathing problems.

"There was none of us around here satisfied at all when they brought this plant in here,” Buckner said.

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Dusty Cillum, who lives nearby with his 10-month-old daughter, wants to know how far the hazardous fumes could have gone and if his daughter is safe.

"I feel like I'd be at ease if we found out what all went into the air, and what exactly could be in the air," Cillum said.

Officials said the fire was contained around 7 a.m. Monday, but crews are still applying water via unmanned nozzles and conducting air quality testing.

There's no word on a possible cause at this point or if tests were conducted to make sure the air is safe.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this developing story.