MADISON COUNTY, Mo. — Industrial firefighters are now in Fredericktown working to knock out the smoldering material at a lithium-ion battery recycling plant after the facility caught fire Wednesday in Fredericktown.
As of Friday afternoon, Fredericktown Fire personnel continue to be on the scene at Critical Mineral Recovery plant while crews that specialize in mitigating hazardous material fires.
The hazardous fire caused an immediate evacuation order for residents north and northwest of Village Creek Road and Madison 217. Those who were in the smoke plum were urged to shelter in place.
Approximately 25-30 area fire departments responded to battle the blaze earlier this week.
Several local, state and federal officials also are working to ensure safety and containment of the incident, including EPA Region 7, according to the Fredericktown Fire Department.
The EPA encourages residents to keep their windows closed and to turn off their air conditioners.
The EPA is conducting 24-hour air monitoring to detect volatile organic compounds, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, lower explosive limit and particulate matter in the evacuation zone located north of the fire.
The EPA has not detected any exceedances since Wednesday. The EPA will continue to coordinate with local response agencies, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
The Fredericktown Fire Department says it continues to be ready to alert residents of any new or increased threat that may happen during the extinguishment of the fire.
Critical Mineral Recovery opened a community information hotline for people to call with questions. Those affected by the fire can call the hotline at 314-576-9134.
Fredericktown R-1 Schools canceled classes Friday, Nov. 1, out of caution regarding air quality concerns. The district has not said if classes will resume Monday.
The EPA also is conducting 24-hour air monitoring at the district.
The story will be updated as more information becomes available.