ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — Update: The evacuation has been lifted in Madison. Evacuees are being allowed to return to their homes.
SealMaster asphalt facility fire in Madison is under control, according to the Madison Fire Department.
The call about the fire came in early Tuesday morning around 5:52 a.m. A truck driver making deliveries happened to notice the fire. While on the scene, firefighters said the fire was getting hotter and they weren't sure why.
Fire officials said generic liquid asphalt was on fire inside of a tank.
Yes, the same kind of asphalt is used for the street and to seal driveways. Experts initially said they were on the fence about the tank, wondering if it would explode or if it will just leak out due to the pressure.
An evacuation was in place for West Decatur Street while fire crews figured out what they could do to put a stop to it.
However, during a press conference, Madison fire officials said they were able to contain the product in the vessel (tank).
Fire crews are saying it's an inhalation hazard. It smells similar to when you drive by, and they are paving a road.
Fire officials said since the evacuation was lifted, everyone is safe to return to school and work. They also said there is no immediate danger to schools in the area.
What happens next?
As the liquid is contained, a patch was made to smother the product. SealMaster is going to monitor the situation and fire watch for the next 24 hours. Once the product cools down and becomes a large mass, fire officials said it will be removed from the property.
Investigators say they will determine the cause of the fire after that process is complete. They say they believe a malfunctioning heating unit might be the cause of the fire since the asphalt got hotter than it was supposed to.
Madison police and fire crews are at the scene. Summerfield and Stokesdale are assisting.
Stay with us for more updates.
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