Over 15 area fire departments helped battled a big blaze Sunday at a recycling plant in Ellwood City in Lawrence County.
The fire was reported shortly before 9 a.m. at the International Metals Reclamation Company (also known as the Inmetco Plant). Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles.
Officials say the fire started in an area of the plant where there was lithium, liquid cadmium and lead acid. Lithium is a dangerous chemical which forced officials to stay at least 200 yards away from the building. The building was destroyed.
It is also understood that the plant was responsible for a number of different dangerous goods. Dangerous goods present an immediate danger to people, property, and the environment and as a result, when disaster strikes, there is a sense of urgency to understand the associated hazards and to implement control measures. For more information about hazardous substances and dangerous goods, head to the Storemasta website.
Four firefighters suffered chemical burns to their hands. No one else was hurt.
Photo Credit: Our news partners at WPXI-TV
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