Hamtramck Chemical Plant On Fire - Detroit Local News Story - WDIV Detroit
The plant is located just west of Interstate 75 and Caniff Street.
Drivers are being told to evacuate the service drive in that area in both directions. More than 100 homes in a housing development across from the plant were also evacuated. Those residents were taken to the Hamtramck Senior Plaza at 2620 Holbrook Street.
Police said they expect a half a mile of evacuations in all directions.
Fire departments from Highland Park and Detroit are assisting in the extinguishing of the blaze.
Fire officials said the air quality is being tested but residents are being told to stay inside and close any windows if there is black smoke near them.
Amtrak train services will not run between Pontiac and Detroit.
John Campbell lives four blocks from the fire. He said he heard a loud explosion and ran out to see 80- or 90-foot rolls of flames.
"All you can see is this, billowing clouds of black smoke," Campbell said.
The plant is owned by Sterling Oil and Chemical Company, which is headquartered in Royal Oak. The company deals with raw materials and blending of industrial lubricants, greases and other petroleum products. Its Hamtramck plant occupies more than 5 acres, with total storage capacity of almost 5 million gallons.
Chemical Plant Fire in Hamtramck
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