Fire breaks out at old Clearwater Finishing Plant
A fire broke out at the old Clearwater Finishing Plant located on Belvedere Road late Tuesday, keeping crews busy throughout the night.
The blaze started around 9 p.m., according to Bath Fire Chief Sean Johnson, who said, at this time, they are unsure of what caused the fire.
Plumes of smoke could be seen several miles from the fire location down U.S. Highway 1.
Johnson said the crews were performing a "defensive attack," which means they were spraying water from the outside and not sending anyone to fight the flames from inside the burning structure. At least two trucks were spraying around 1,000 gallons of water a minute to abate the flames.
Johnson said the fire would be an all-night job.
Two of the buildings still standing at the plant were in flames. Around 10 p.m., a small explosion occurred, likely from a liquid propane tank, Johnson said.
The explosion alerted many residents who came out to see the action.
"The building shook," said Betty Vaughn, who lives near the old finishing plant.
Tony Cumbee heard the explosion, as well, and came down to the scene of the fire to see what was happening.
"It's kind of scary," he said. "It's not something you want to see in your neighborhood. I wish it was torn down years ago."
The old, dilapidated plant, which has been vacant since the 1980s, is in the process of being knocked down in efforts to redevelop the land for new homes and small retail businesses. A total of 10 of the 15 buildings of the plant had already been disassembled.
No injuries were reported, and no evacuations were ordered for residents living near the burning building.
Bath, Clearwater, Langley, North Augusta, Beech Island, Belvedere and Aiken County fire officials responded to the blaze.
Visit www.aikenstandard.com throughout the day for updates on this story.
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