Mississippi Transformer Plant Chemical Fire Forces Evacuation

A large chemical fire sent flames and dense black smoke pouring from a Mississippi manufacturing facility Monday, prompting an employee evacuation and a major emergency response from fire crews across the county, according to local reports.

The blaze started at a Howard Industries facility in Laurel when a paint booth caught fire near a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance, Mayor Johnny Magee told local media.

All workers were safely evacuated, and fire departments throughout Jones County responded to the scene, according to WDAM-TV. By 8 p.m., crews had largely brought the fire under control.

Video shared on social media showed towering flames at the facility as heavy smoke spread across the sky and fire trucks moved in.

Several loud booms could be heard as people ran from the area and firefighters worked near the fire, according to WAPT-TV.

“Everybody’s gotta leave,” Brandon Herford Brewer, who posted one of the videos, could be heard saying.

Brewer described the heat as unbearable as he prepared to leave the area.

“My face is melting,” he said. “It’s Howard industry, and I’m about to get out of here. I am sweating down.”

Brewer later said the building had been cleared and everyone had gotten out.

Howard Industries makes electrical transformers, including the equipment utilities use to get electricity to homes and businesses. The company says its Laurel plant covers about 2.3 million square feet.

Officials urged people to avoid the area, warning that traffic could slow firefighters and put workers and first responders at risk.

It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured or how much damage the fire caused.

Officials did not immediately release more information.