By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Henry, Tenn.–Two firefighters were injured due to heat exhaustion as fire departments from all over the area continue to fight the massive blaze at the Sigma Renew 360 plastics recycling plant in Henry.
Speaking from the scene, Henry County Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Watkins said the firefighters were treated by the county’s EMS on the scene. “To tell you the truth, they’re already back at it, fighting the fire,” Watkins said.
Watkins said, “This is going to be an extended length of time event. It’s going to take forever to burn this fire off.”
Meanwhile, he said, EMA advises those within the immediate area and North of Sigma Renew 360 (170 Mark I Drive Henry, Tenn.) to shelter in place. Smoke and fumes from the fire may affect those with respiratory issues.
Watkins confirmed that the plant was evacuated as soon as the fire broke out earlier this afternoon and no one has been injured except for the firefighters.
The Gibson County Fire Department is on the way to help shuttle water to the scene. “The Henry water system is depleting as more and more fire departments hook up to the hydrants. We’ve had to put a call in for additional tankers to help us.”
As of 3:35 p.m., fire departments at the scene include Henry Volunteer Fire Department, Paris Fire Department, Paris Landing Fire Department, Ore Springs/Como, Carroll County Fire, McKenzie Fire, Huntingdon Fire, Mansfield.
Additionally, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Henry County Sheriff’s Office and BPU are on the scene.
Photo by Ron Watkins/Henry Co. EMA.