At Approximately 0700 CST on March 28, 2007 lightning struck the Helena Chemical Plant in Humboldt, TN causing the facility to catch on fire. The company is a manufacturer of pesticides. At this time there are evacuations of the industrial park and 6 residences in the immediate area for a total of 300-400 people. The local fire department and EMA have decided to let the fire burn itself out. USES has been hired by the local EMA and is en route to the scene to provide cleanup assistance. At this time no air monitoring is being conducted in the vicinity of the scene. OSC Steve Spurlin and START have been dispatched to the scene to provide oversight and air monitoring support.
