SITREP ONE
These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| NRC Case #: | 039-98 |
|---|---|
| Occurence Date: | 17 December |
| Location: | Mount Vernon, IN |
| Source: | Warehouse |
| Material: | Polystyrene, heavy metal pigments |
| Severity: | Unknown |
| Quantity Discharged: | Unknown |
| Quantity in Water: | Unknown |
| Body of Water Affected: | Ohio River |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | EPA V |
On Thursday, December 17, 1998, at 6:30 pm, the National Response Center was notified of a fire at a large multi-occupant warehouse facility in Mount Vernon, Indiana. The fire started at about 4:00 pm; the cause of the fire is unknown. The fire continues to burn in a warehouse that contains plastics manufacturing and storage operations. At least 150 people living within a mile of the warehouse were evacuated Thursday evening and remain evacuated as of Friday afternoon. As a precaution againts contaminated runoff, the Mount Vernon water intake on the Ohio River was closed. Fire officials have decided to stop using water on the fire, allowing it to burn hot enough to destroy toxins. The fire may take another day or two to subside because of the large amount of combustible material in the warehouse. CASE PENDS.