TX plant fire smolders, 1000 residents displaced

[July 31, 2009]  BRYAN, Texas (AP) -- About 1,000 people haven't returned to their homes in central Texas after they were evacuated because of a fire at a chemical plant and warehouse that processes explosive ammonium nitrate.

The El Dorado Chemical Co. plant in Bryan was smoldering Friday morning.

John Salsman with Brazos County emergency management says fire officials planned to fly over the area to "see how things are going."

The fire broke out at midday Thursday and authorities issued an evacuation order for thousands in the area about 100 miles north of Houston. Also, Texas A&M University's main campus was closed. According to the school's Web site, it would reopen Friday.

Salsman says most evacuees had returned home, but about 1,000 were still displaced.

Salsman says at least 34 people required medical treatment.

[Associated Press]

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