March 9, 2004, 8:20AM
Fire at Pasadena (Texas) pesticide plant forces residents to take shelter
From staff and wire reports
PASADENA - Firefighters are battling a massive fire at a Pasadena chemical warehouse this morning and warning residents of five nearby subdivisions to stay inside.
Huge balls of flame and black smoke were visible for miles from the warehouse, which officials said contained an assortment of often-dangerous chemicals. The Control Solutions warehouse at 5903 Genoa Red Bluff blends and packages pesticides.
The Pasadena Fire Department issued a shelter-in-place warning for Taylor Lake , Seabrook, El Lago, El Jardin and Shore Acres. Residents should keep their windows closed and air-conditioning off, said fire department spokesman Martin DeLeon.
Drivers are being urged to avoid Red Bluff Road.
Firefighters have to keep their distance because of the toxic fumes. They appeared to be gaining control of the flames when an explosion renewed the fire.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or what caused the 5:30 a.m. fire.
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2440528BTW (tinfoil, please) this is only 67 miles from the BASF plant where the guard was shot by the "Middle Eastern" guy.