Breaking News: Fire Erupts at Lithium-Ion Battery Plant in Fredericktown

FREDRICKTOWN, Mo. (KBSI) – A fire broke out at Critical Mineral Recovery, a lithium-ion battery processing plant in Fredericktown, Missouri, on Highway OO, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.

The fire started around 1:37 p.m. on the 800 block of Highway OO, Fredericktown.

No injuries have been reported but hazardous exposure unlikely, according to State Highway Patrol Sgt. Clark Parrott.

Evacuation Instructions

– Residents on County Road 217, Highway OO, and adjoining roads must evacuate.
– Those seeing or smelling smoke should also evacuate.

Shelter Information

– Silvermines General Baptist Church (Highway D) open for evacuees.
– Madison County Health Department open; enter through the back.

Safety Precautions

– Shelter in place indoors if in the smoke plume.
– Close windows, doors, and window AC units.

Agencies Responding

– Missouri State Highway Patrol
– Madison County Sheriff’s Office
– Fredericktown Fire Department
– Madison County 911

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.