Shelter-in-Place Lifted After Greenville Chemical Plant Blast
Washington County officials contained the fire at the Loveland facility and confirmed no injuries to workers or nearby residents.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
Emergency crews lifted the shelter-in-place order for the Greenville area after containing a fire that began at a chemical plant Wednesday morning. Washington County officials confirmed that no injuries were reported when the flames were brought under control.
The incident started just after 7 a.m. at the Loveland facility, formerly known as Platte Chemical. Initial reports indicated a blast involving a chemical herbicide stored in a unit described as a hot box. Multiple agencies dispatched personnel to the site as thick smoke spread from the building.
Firefighters and emergency workers conducted decontamination protocols on site due to the risk of chemical exposure. They managed to contain the flames while coordinating with state and local response teams.
Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons commended the rapid coordination between responders. “Our first priority is the safety of our residents, our first responders, and everyone working at or near the facility,” Simmons said. “I ask our citizens to remain calm, avoid the immediate area, and allow our firefighters and emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Authorities are reviewing the conditions that led to the initial blast and the subsequent smoke release.
