Fire crews were called to the scene at 9 a.m. after an explosion at the plant, and the ensuing blaze caused significant damage before it was contained, LaSalle Fire Chief Jerry Janick said at a news conference. Additional equipment was ordered to fully extinguish the fire and start an investigation.
Video on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the structure. Multiple structures in the complex were damaged or destroyed, footage showed.
Local resident Ron Arvese told Reuters, "It was pretty bad, I thought for sure the whole place was going to explode. Lots of smoke." And another local, Veronica Borzumato said "We don't know what's going to happen to the water, the soil, the air now."
LaSalle police alerted the public that a green-colored oxidizer was released in the area and warned residents against touching the substance.
All workers were evacuated and accounted for with no injuries, according to a spokesperson for the family-owned company.
