Officials issued a mandatory evacuation in Chattooga County after a fire at a plastics recycling plant spewed plumes of smoke in the air. Authorities say said the fire in Summerville could burn for days.
The blaze engulfed the old Harriet and Henderson Mill, which is now a plastics recycling plant on Raccoon Creek Road around 5 p.m., according to Summerville fire officials. The plant had closed for the day.
Officials believe propane tanks may be involved.
"We don't know if it's arson or lightning strike or other causes at this point," said Chattooga Sheriff John Everett.
Everett said plastics from carpet remnants and other materials will likely burn for a few days.
"We're predicting two or three days," Everett said.
A giant plume of smoke from the fire could be seen 15 miles away.
Everett said the decision to evacuate all homes and businesses within a quarter-mile radius of the fire was made as a precaution because of the "unknown." He said a chemical company recommended the evacuation.
"We're just urging all the residents to try to stay away," said Everett.
About 200 people are affected by the mandatory evacuation, according to a Chattooga County emergency management official. A church has been set up for evacuated families. It was unclear how long they'd have to stay.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
