UPDATE: Fire At Warsaw Chemical
UPDATE (3:23 p.m.) According to a post from the Indiana DNR Law District 1, DNR officer Tyler Brock is currently on-scene at the fire. The DNR notes that a large explosion ruptured storage tanks with numerous toxic and hazardous chemicals in them. Officers are reportedly sampling water runoff that is flowing into Winona Lake. Fire crews are reportedly attempting to stop the flow of toxic runoff into the lake. Crews are continuing to request the public avoid the Argonne Road area.
UPDATE (1:42 p.m.): The disaster team from the Kosciusko County chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting on scene. It has set up a canteen on site to aid the 150 fire fighters at Warsaw Chemical.
UPDATE (11:58 a.m.): Emergency personnel are evacuating residences and businesses within the evacuation area. Roads in the area are completely closed and motorists should avoid the area.
Emergency personnel are currently responding to a reported fire located at Warsaw Chemical at 23 East Durbin Street.
Smoke has been seen coming from the structure through the roof and doorways. Multiple explosions have been reported from the scene. Area roads have been closed off.
Winona Lake and Warsaw Fire Departments are responding to the scene. Pierceton and Claypool and Leesburg Fire Departments have been put on standby. All Warsaw Fire Department drivers have been asked to report to their stations.