At about 1:45 this afternoon we started getting calls from listeners about a possible fire at a plant in Westlake. We could see the smoke being blown to the north from our studios on the lakefront in Lake Charles. We were informed by the Office of Emergency Management that there had been a fire at Axiall (the old PPG) and that there had been a hydrochloric acid release.

This release resulted in a Shelter in place being issued for Eastern Sulphur, Westlake and extreme Western Lake Charles. This shelter in place caused Louisiana State Police to completely shut down I-10 in Westlake. It also delayed school releases in Westlake and Sulphur while students were held until the shelter in place was lifted and Interstate 10 was re-opened around 3:15

We have no word on injuries at Axiall at this time.

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