OTLEY – A large chemical fire broke out in the city of Otley yesterday afternoon, forcing residents to evacuate.
Marion County Emergency Management reports that the fire started at the Two Rivers Cooperative fertilizer storage facility in Otley. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities say it is expected to smolder for several days due to the chemicals stored in the building.
The chemicals stored in the facility included:
- 392 tons of Urea
- 378 tons of Potash
- 36 tons of MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate)
- 265 tons of Sulfur
Otley residents were ordered to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Currently, residents are recommended to either evacuate or shelter in place. Those impacted by the notice are all residents in the town of Otley, and residents living between Washington and Baldwin Streets, as well as State Highway 163 to Business Highway 163.
