Smith County fire crews are monitoring an industrial fire near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. According to the Smith County Fire Marshalโs Office, the commercial fire started Thursday evening at a plastic grounding and oil product refining facility off Texas Highway 64 West.
Smith County sent an emergency IPAWS alert to residents in the area, as the smoke from the fire may have contained hazardous chemicals. Firefighters were at the scene all night working to extinguish the flames. Highway 64 was reopened by 4:30 a.m. Friday. and most emergency vehicles had left the scene.
Thursday night, evacuations were ordered for areas along CR 1147, to FM 724, north to CR 1151, according to Smith County ESD2 Spokesperson Nikki Simmons. She said firefighters were assisting with the evacuations.
A shelter at Pleasant Retreat UMC on CR 1143 was also opened at 9 p.m. for evacuees. Karen Holt with the American Red Cross of East Texas said the church would remain open overnight if needed, continuing to serve as an evacuation center.
KLTV ABC 7 Tyler
