Firefighters contain blaze at fertilizer plant

RAVENEL - Dozens of firefighters contained a massive blaze that destroyed a fertilizer warehouse near town Sunday.

Authorities shut down a stretch of S.C. Highway 165 near the Carolina Eastern-Molony fertilizer plant for four hours while they waited to determine whether dangerous gases were being released into the air.

At 8:30 p.m., flames still were visible at the site, but officials said it was determined that nothing hazardous had burned.

Residents who were told to stay in their houses finally were allowed to come out, while those kept out of the area were allowed to return home.

Matt Bunch, president of Carolina Eastern, said state authorities determined there was no negative impact on the environment. He said the warehouse, which contained fertilizer in bulk, was insured.

"Everything's fine, fortunately," Bunch said. "Thank God no one was hurt."

The plant has been operating since 1972, Bunch said, and the current owners took over in 1992.

St. Paul Fire Chief Doc Matthews said at least two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion; he wasn't available later to update their conditions.

Matthews said they got a call reporting a fully engulfed fire at the warehouse around 4 p.m. He described the warehouse as bigger than most high school gymnasiums.

Firefighters from across the Lowcountry helped contain the blaze in about an hour, he said. Other departments that helped include St. John's Fire District, Charleston Fire Department, St. Andrews Fire and Rescue, North Charleston Fire Department and Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad. The Charleston County Sheriff's Office also was at the scene.

Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.