Fire at US illinois chemical plant prompts evacuations

City authorities in Seward, Illinois, evacuated people living within three kilometers of the Nova-Kem chemical plant which is on fire. Sheriff's Sgt. Anthony Miceli said that residents within a 2-mile radius of the plant called Nova-Kem were evacuated, and were sent to Pecatonica High School until further notice. He said one worker suffered a minor injury, the Voice of Russia reported. Smoke could be seen for nearly a mile, and emergency officials were worried about airborne chemicals. About 20 fire and rescue agencies were called to the scene. They cannot use water to put out the fire because some chemicals that are present may react negatively. Emergency personnel said that water could trigger a reaction the chemical hexachlorodisilane, which is used in memory device production. The chemical is a corrosive and colorless liquid that requires extreme care when handling and transporting, Nova-Kem's website said. Miceli said emergency responders are also concerned that the water could cause another building at the chemical plant to catch on fire. The cause of the fire is unknown.