BARTLETT – Officials consider a Bartlett fertilizer plant’s structure to be a “total loss” after a fire occurred on Sunday night, Aug. 20.
The fire call came in for the American Plant Food facility at 8:33 p.m. No one was in the building at the time and there were no deaths or injuries.
Since the blaze was a three-alarm fire, multiple crews across Williamson County responded to the scene.
Hazardous materials crews were called to the scene as the plant contains chemicals for making fertilizers; however, there were no materials that would cause an explosion. The structure was allowed to burn with preventative measures focused on keeping the fire from spreading.
The fire did cause a six-acre grass fire behind the plant, which was contained by 3:30 a.m.
Safety of the public is the primary concern for officials. Air quality monitoring began last night and will continue throughout the clean-up process.
The right southbound lane of SH 95 is closed for emergency purposes.
Efforts to mitigate the smoke will be conducted today through misting over the site to contain particulates.
Clean-up is anticipated to take several weeks.
“We greatly appreciate all mutual aid and support from local officials, especially the Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell, Bell County Judge David Blackburn and our Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles,” said Bartlett Mayor Chad Mees. “We also appreciate all the donations of water and Gatorade. Donations can be dropped off today at city hall. We appreciate the entire community’s support and resiliency in keeping Bartlett strong.”
