Massive fire burns hundreds of plastic containers at plant nursery in Kissimmee
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - More than 70 firefighters responded to a raging fire at a nursery in Kissimmee, Florida, on Thursday morning where nearly five acres of plastic planters caught fire, sending plumes of smoke into the air.
According to Osceola Fire officials, a call came in around 2 a.m. about the fire burning behind Nursery Supplies, Inc. at 2050 Ave. A. Officials said about two acres of plastic planters were ablaze before spreading to five acres.
The nursery itself was not on fire, but it was evacuated because workers were inside.
In a statement to FOX 35 News, a company spokesperson for Nursery Supplies said the fire appeared to have started along the back fence of the property. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
"The safety of our team members and our neighbors in the nearby community are our top priority and concern. We are thankful that the team in the plant at the time the fire started was quickly evacuated, and there have been no reported injuries. The plant has been fully evacuated while fire control activities continue, and team members are being advised not to come to work. We are cooperating fully with the authorities who are on site managing and investigating the situation and are thankful to them for their quick response."
NEW: Video shows acres of melted plastic after fire at Kissimmee nursery
During a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Chief Jon Haskett with Osceola County Fire said about 75 firefighters with Orange County, Osceola County, and Kissimmee worked for hours to put the fire out using water and foam.
Chief Haskett added that there was likely a propone tank explosion inside the fire area, but all other tanks are secured.
No injuries were reported.
There are thousands of plastic pots kept on the premises, Chief Haskett said.
Video shows the raging fire sending massive amounts of smoke into the night sky over Kissimmee.
Around 1 p.m. – 13 hours after the first began – officials told FOX 35's Matt Trezza that the fire was contained and under control, though firefighters would be monitoring for flare-ups and hot spots.
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Fire officials were also monitoring the air quality because of the large amount of smoke coming from the burning plastic.
"These pots are burning into soot, just carbon, and carbon monoxide, a small amount that dissipates in the air, carbon dioxide and water. Nothing exotic. No cyanide, like you can get in some fires, no exotic chemicals like you can get in some fires," said Dr. Todd Husty, a public health official.
The property is located about 13 miles from Walt Disney World.