Cooling storage unit catches fire at Westlake Chemical plant

GEISMAR, LA (WAFB) - Officials say a fire that broke out at Westlake Chemical in Geismar, LA just around 11:15 a.m. Tuesday was out within an hour.

Westlake Chemical is located near the intersection of LA 73 and LA 30 in Ascension Parish.

The plant manager Jim Best said a cooling storage facility caught fire. He added organic peroxide, which is an additive for a PVC process, is what burned.

Dave Hansen, senior vice president of administration at the facility, said the storage area is not associated with the operating units at the plant. He said no known injuries were reported and the primary concern is the safety and well being of all employees contractors and the community. He said updated information will be provided as it becomes available.

Louisiana State Police said there were no evacuations and no off-site impact. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and a HazMat team were also called to the scene. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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