A strange plume of orange smoke observed in Boucherville on Friday afternoon was caused by a fire at the Celanese factory on Rue de la Barre.
According to the Longueuil Agglomeration Fire Safety Service, the fire broke out in the morning but firefighters are already controlling the situation.
The nitric acid evaporating in and around the facility is the cause of the plume of orange smoke that spread around the area.
Courtesy of Eric Roy
Buildings within a radius of 300 meters were evacuated.
“We recommend that citizens avoid the area,” the city of Boucherville says on its Facebook page.
No residence is affected by the eviction notice.
Urgence-Environnement has been informed of a nitric acid leak at Celanese Emulsions in Boucherville. We are on site to analyze air quality and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to protect people and the environment. pic.twitter.com/TTGoNqfH4p
— Environment Quebec (@EnvironmentQc) June 9, 2023
The surrounding motorways also remain open.