Overview

• Multiple explosions and small fires were reported Wednesday at Carbide Industries on Bells Lane in Rubbertown, triggering a LENSAlert that classified the event as a hazardous‑materials incident with no public danger.
• All fires have since been extinguished, no injuries were reported, and employees returned to work Thursday in part of the facility as cleanup progressed.
• Fire officials said crews initially could not use water near reactive chemicals, so some areas were allowed to burn under control, and no evacuations or shelter‑in‑place orders were issued.
• PRP Fire Chief Jason Meiman said a potential overflow from a furnace is being reviewed as the cause, which remains under investigation by plant personnel.
• The plant’s record includes 16 OSHA citations since 2010, a 2011 explosion that killed two workers, a 2018 electrocution death, recent air‑pollution penalties, and renewed calls from residents for stronger oversight as the mayor’s office praised first responders.