Bryan, Texas-An ammonium nitrate fire at an El Dorado Chemical Co., blending facility in Bryan, Texas, on Thursday, July 30, caused local authorities to call for the evacuation of the entire town of 70,000, which is about 100 miles northwest of Houston. Nearby Texas A&M University at College Station was also closed. By 9 p.m. the situation had abated and only around 1,000 people were under mandatory evacuation, according to the local media. Around midday Thursday, workers reportedly welding an empty ammonium nitrate bin sparked the fire. The workers escaped and there were no serious injuries, though several people did go to local hospitals complaining of breathing problems and eye irritation. Firemen responded quickly, but could not use water fearing it would make matters worse. As a result, the fire was allowed to burn. No explosions were reported. El Dorado is a unit of LSB Industries Inc., Oklahoma City. The company had not responded to inquiries at press time.
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