Area evacuated, schools on lockdown after chemical plant in Southlake catches fire
SOUTHLAKE, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — A chemical plant in Southlake caught on fire Wednesday afternoon, prompting officials to evacuate the surrounding area and two nearby schools to go into lockdown.
The call came in around 1:15 p.m. in the 4000 block of T.W. King Road after a chemical manufacturing plant owned by the Dalden Corporation went up in flames.
Southlake fire crews headed to the scene about five minutes later and saw two structures - both metal buildings housing chemicals - had caught fire and were billowing heavy, dark smoke.
The fire led to several closures and even school lockdowns. Silver Spur Drive, South Fork, and West Bob Jones were all evacuated, and Walnut Grove Elementary and the Clariden School were both placed under lockdown as a precaution. The DPS north facility on Dove Road was opened as a temporary shelter.
By 7:00 p.m., evacuees were allowed to return home, but anyone living north on T.W. King at Bob Jones was required to show proof of residency to return to your house.
With the help of other area departments, firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by 2:45 p.m.
After the fire had been put out, multiple HAZMAT teams and experts were on-site to identify chemicals and help with the cleanup. So far, no injuries have been reported and officials are not aware of any threats to the public.
Dalden is based in North Texas and manufactures chemicals including acetone, antifreeze, solvents, and cleaners. The company has a history of noncompliance with environmental regulations, according to the EPA.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said staff were en route to "assess the situation." The cause of the fire is still being investigated.