Image: KVIA TV, El Paso, Texas.
More than 1,000 people within a half-mile of an explosive fire at a New Mexico biofuel production facility had to evacuate today, as hazmat teams arrived. The plant converts veggie oils into fuel.
A Dona Ana County news release said the fire and several small explosions were reported about 9 a.m. at the Rio Valley Biofuels facility in Anthony. The county said the facility handles large quantities of methanol, glycerin, sodium methylate and hydrochloric acid. The chemicals are used in the process of turning vegetable oils and other used oils into biodiesel fuel for area businesses.
Here is the company’s website, in which the firm is described as “New Mexico’s first commercial Biodiesel Producer.”
More at the AP.
Photos via Rio Valley Biofuels website.