More than 1,200 residents were evacuated following a fire at a chemical plant in Yunnan province, China, according to a district government statement and reports from Xinhua News Agency.
The fire occurred at the Yunnan Haoming Fine Phosphorus Chemical Company in the Jinning district of Kunming, Yunnan province, China. It broke out at approximately 11:50 am local time on Tuesday.
Reports differ regarding the material being handled when the blaze started. While one account states the fire broke out while yellow phosphorus was being loaded, another source reported that white phosphorus was being loaded.
The fire was extinguished at 10:07 pm on Tuesday, lasting nearly 11 hours. No casualties were reported.
Environmental response and investigation
The Yunnan Haoming Fine Phosphorus Chemical Company has suspended production and other operations following the incident. Local authorities in Yunnan province, China, stated that environmental monitoring and assessment of the surrounding area were underway.
Smoke from burning phosphorus can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract. Local authorities in Yunnan province, China, have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Evacuated following the chemical plant fire
