Residents urged to shelter in place indoors

FREDERICKTOWN, MO (KBSI) — A large fire has emerged from a battery plant Wednesday afternoon in Fredericktown, Missouri. Officials with the Fredericktown Fire Department asking for people in the area to shelter in place indoors. If residents in the area see smoke, they’re urged to stay indoors.

The only evacuation order is for residents on Madison County Road 277.

The large fire and heavy smoke emerged from the critical mineral recovery battery processing plant near Highway OO and Highway 72. The fire began around 2 p.m., and no injuries have been reported. HAZMAT crews and various local fire departments have responded to the fire.

Parents with Fredericktown R-1 schools are able to go and pickup their students at this time, and will not count against their attendance.

According to the superintendent, busses are running at the same time and with specially designed routes to ensure the safety of the students and drivers.

The Madison County 911 posting on Facebook says everyone north and northwest of Village Creek Road and Madison 217 needs to evacuate immediately.

This is a developing story. Check with KBSI23 for updates.