Kilgore police say large fire contained, barricades being removed from Industrial Boulevard

KILGORE, Texas (KLTV) - A fire that created a huge plume of smoke over Kilgore, is contained according to the fire department.

Fire at a scrap-yard on highway 42 in Kilgore was the source of the massive smoke plume and fire Thursday. Still smoldering. One of several fires crews were fighting well into the night.

“We saw a large amount of wild-land fires, grass fires not just in Kilgore but in the area. Mainly they were cause by downed power lines,” says Kilgore emergency management coordinator Terry Linder.

This one included.

Fire crews were in and out numerous times today checking on hot spots, and watching to make sure it was burning out.

“Weather service said we had sustained winds from 20 to 30 miles and hour, and gusts up to 50,” Linder says.

Highway 42 and most other roads are open and some businesses and residents have returned.

Though the wind is not as brisk, fire crews are on stand-by, checking hot spots to make sure the wind does not re-ignite the fire.

“Well I was just like, this is really bad, I hope everybody got out ok,” said area resident Larece Younger.

The recycling yard had any number of things that could and were burning.

“Old vehicles, equipment, chemicals, things like that,” says Linder.

Creating a toxic smoke, that officials were warning residents to shelter in place from.

“Due to the wind spreading a thick plume of black toxic smoke we evacuated a half mile area,” Terry says.

“I’m just worried because I live over in that direction, and hope it doesn’t blow over and we don’t suffer any smoke inhalation from it,” Younger says.

The emergency management coordinator is still urging people in the southern portion of Kilgore to be aware of air quality and the thick smoke.

“The fire at Kilgore Recycling is continuing to burn,” police said. “But the smoke plume is much lower.”

The fire prompted evacuations on Thursday night in the western part of Kilgore. Residents were also asked to stay inside due to effects on the air quality.

“Due to a large industrial fire near Industrial Blvd & Woodlawn St, residents in the southern portion of town, south of Harris St, should shelter in place, close windows/doors, overnight,” police said. “The wind is expected to decrease and smoke to begin settling to the ground after 8:00 pm”

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