A large fire broke out Monday morning at approximately 11:00 at Greenpoint AG, an agricultural supply business in the 1200 block of Hwy 261, southwest of Hardinsburg.
A Shelter-in-Place was ordered for citizens in Hardinsburg and Garfield as the difficult-to-extinguish fertilizer fire burned at the business, with a slight wind spreading the potentially toxic smoke east at about four miles per hour.
About 300 tons of fertilizer was inside the burning building, as the blaze eventually collapsed the building. Crews used foam to extinguish the remaining fire.
As the fire burned, though, Hardinsburg Mayor Wayne Macy instructed residents in the greater Hardinsburg area to shut off air conditioners and heating units, as well as shut and lock all windows and doors.
Businesses were evacuated, and roads blocked to prohibit access to the fire. Those roads have now been reopened, with the exception of a stretch of Hwy 261, as WXBC.com reports that “Hwy 261, from Greenpoint Ag to the Community Center in Hardinsburg will remain closed for the time being.”
Additionally, officials mandated a no-fly zone in the area because of the unsafe air quality.
GreenPoint AG’s Environmental, Health and Safety Manager Tim Bogy released the following statement on the fire:
We believe the fire began as an electrical fire and are working with local and state officials to determine the best course of action at this time. Various fertilizers and crop protection products were in the facility at the start of the fire, but this facility does not house any explosive products.
The Kentucky State Environmental Protection Agency is on scene assessing the fire and setting up air quality monitors. There have been no injuries, but all precautions will continue to be taken, Bogy said.
(Photo courtesy of WLKY.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
