Fire reported after explosion at Greenville chemical plant

The Greenville Fire Department responded to a reported explosion Wednesday morning at the Loveland chemical plant in Greenville, Mississippi, city officials said.

Firefighters received notice of the explosion at about 7:10 a.m. The incident involved a fire associated with an herbicide chemical in a hot box, according to preliminary information provided by plant management.

Fire departments from Riverside, Leland and the Greenville Mid-Delta Airport were among the agencies called to assist. The airport department was requested to provide specialized firefighting foam, the city said. Pafford Emergency Medical Services was placed on standby, and the Washington County Emergency Operations Center was coordinating with a regional hazardous materials response team.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality also sent personnel to the incident, according to the city.

Mayor Errick D. Simmons urged residents to avoid the area and follow any evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions issued by emergency officials. The city said it would provide updates as information was confirmed.

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