BARTLETT, Texas — The fire that ignited at a Bartlett fertilizer plant Sunday night was contained by Monday morning, officials said in a news conference.
The fire started around 8:30 p.m. at the American Plant Food Corporation fertilizer plant. Massive flames could be seen from miles away as the plant burned.
According to reports, state highway 95 is reopened for the time being following the incident. Officials say there could be a chance that it shuts down once again in the morning as crews begin to clean up.
City of Bartlett Mayor Chad Mees told 6 News no water was used on the fire. Mees said the fire needed to keep burning without interruption because it was a chemical fire.
Bartlett Independent Schools were in session but recess was canceled for the day.
Officials said there were a few residents who lived near the plant that had to be evacuated.
The Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office was in charge of the investigation. They did not expect to know the cause of the fire until the end of the week.
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The City of Bartlett posted to its Facebook page that there was no action needed by residents and they did not expected there to be an evacuation.
"Bartlett Fire is on scene along with various other entities and their hazmat units due to chemical spills," the City posted. "The Emergency Command has stated that it is all under control, but an active fire nonetheless. The fire is not expected to spread, nor there to be a catastrophic explosions from the chemicals. They have determined the fire to be contained and will work on it all night."
The City said food and water could be dropped off at City Hall for the firefighters at 140 W. Clark St. They also asked that people stay home. State Highway 95 was closed.
The Holland Volunteer Fire Department posted to its Facebook page a little after 9 p.m. that it was called to assist in fighting the fire.
A video taken by Kelly Carter and posted to a Holland community Facebook page showed massive flames coming from the plant.
Emergency Management Coordinator for Bell County Bob Reinhard says Salado, Bartlett, and Holland Fire Departments are all on the scene along with Emergency Management and Temple Fire Hazmat team.
Bartlett ISD is monitoring the ongoing fire at the American Plant Food Corporation, located just south of Bartlett on FM 95. They have opened the gym and restrooms, and any resident within the quarter-mile evacuation radius is welcome to come to the school at this time.
The school district announced that all athletic practices on Monday, Aug. 21 are cancelled.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell held a press conference Sunday night to provide updates on the fire. Gravell stated, "The great news is tonight there's no reported loss of life and there are no reported injuries."
Gravell also noted that the fertilizer plant is being considered a total loss, and that crews will downsize tonight, so that they can get ready to finish fighting the blaze in the morning.
6 News is still gathering information on this story. This story will be updated as we get more information.