Emergency workers on Thursday are responding to a large fire near a nursery in Kissimmee, Florida, that is emitting large plumes of black smoke, according to local officials.
Fire officials, it said, have set up “air monitoring devices” and “are prepared to issue evacuation orders, if necessary,” according to a Facebook post. “Hazmat and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are on scene and reporting NO hazardous material released.”
But the service still wrote that locals should “stay clear of the area” regardless and consider another driving route.
Video footage of the fire captured by WESH-TV also shows that that several acres of pallets containing plastic planters are burning. There are also propane tanks nearby, offiicals told the outlet.
The blaze comes amid controversy over the handling of a train derailment and fire in East Palestine, Ohio, this month that released toxic chemicals into the air and water. On Wednesday night, hundreds of irate residents of East Palestine attended a town hall, seeking answers to what health dangers they face.
Some of those residents expressed anger that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has come under fire from Republicans over his agency’s response, wasn’t in attendance, according to reports.
Norfolk Southern officials did not attend the meeting, claiming they feared violence. The company operated the derailed train, which was carrying highly toxic vinyl chloride.
“After consulting with community leaders, we have become increasingly concerned about the growing physical threat to our employees and members of the community around this event stemming from the increasing likelihood of the participation of outside parties,” the company said in a statement to news outlets.
Much remains unknown about the dangers posed to residents by the toxins that spilled, experts said. Many in the area have complained of headaches and irritated eyes, and noted that chickens, fish, and other wildlife have died off. Despite that, state health officials have insisted to residents that East Palestine is a safe place to be.