UPDATE: No signs of contamination in area of plant fire in Marion County, DEP says

FAIRMONT, W.Va (WDTV) - STORY UPDATE

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services says testing for contamination was completed because the Brine Processing Plant in Fairmont is known to contain radium 226, a naturally-occurring radioactive material.

Officials say there were no signs of contamination at the plant as a result of the fire.

STORY UPDATE

Officials with the DEP say they returned to the scene with the EPA to conduct an updated site assessment.

This comes after a fire broke out at the Bring Processing Plant in Fairmont Tuesday afternoon.

The DEP says the fire was extinguished shortly before 4 p.m.

Officials on Tuesday said they did not see any evidence of material or firefighter water leaving the site. Additionally, no first responders showed any signs of contamination, and no testing showed above ground readings on their bodies.

DEP officials returned to the scene on Wednesday to conduct an updated site assessment.

STORY UPDATE

Officials say the DEP has completed testing in the immediate area of a fire that broke out at the Brine Processing Plant in Fairmont.

According to the 911 Center, the scene is now clear and all agencies have returned to service.

In addition, all roads are now reopen.

ORIGINAL STORY

Crews are responding to a fire at the Brine Processing Plant in Fairmont Tuesday evening.

Officials confirm a hazmat team is on the scene.

It’s unclear what all materials may be inside, but DEP and OEM officials have told 5 News some of those materials could be “radiological” or “radioactive.”

The DEP is currently on the scene conducting tests of the air and ground for any potential radioactivity. Officials say all testing is confined to the immediate area of the closed down plant.

Crews have told our reporter to stay away from the scene. The Monongalia County and West Virginia Regional Hazardous Response Teams have responded.

While there hasn’t been one announced yet, 911 officials say the public will be notified if there is an evacuation order.

AFR Road leading to the plant has been shut down, and people are asked to avoid the area.

This story is continuing to develop, so make sure to stick with 5 News as we work to gather all the details.

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