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WESTLAKE, Louisiana -- A chemical plant in the middle of hurricane-ravaged southwest Louisiana caught fire Thursday morning, sending thick smoke containing poisonous chlorine billowing into the air.
SkyEye captured video of smoke billowing from the facility as fires burned. The smoke rolled north across I-10 coming from a facility. Officials at BioLab confirmed the fire was at their plant, according to KPLC-TV in Lake Charles.
Louisiana State Police spokesman Capt. Chavez Cammon said hazmat teams have responded and were attempting to put out the fire.
Chlorine is a toxic chemical and can be deadly if inhaled. When chlorine is released, it quickly turns into a gas and spreads rapidly close to the ground, according to the CDC.
The gas can be recognized by its pungent, irritating odor, which is like the odor of bleach. The strong smell may provide adequate warning to people that they are exposed.
Exposure to chlorine may cause burning pain, blurred vision, and difficulty breathing, the CDC said.
BioLab manufactures chlorine-based products, according to a 2017 story on the company. The facility also makes trichloroisocynuric acid and other chemicals.
A shelter-in-place order was issued by the local emergency management authority there.
https://abc13.com/lake-charles-plant...amage/6391663/