Firefighters battling blaze at abandoned chemical plant near Shop Road
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the fire department later determined that the fire was in the former Cardinal Chemical plant and not in Intertape Polymer’s former site.
The Columbia Fire Department is fighting a fire at an abandoned chemical plant near the intersection of Shop Road and South Beltline Boulevard.
The fire department was called to the fire on the 2000 block of South Beltline at about 3:30, according to department spokesperson Mike DeSumma.
The fire was in the former Cardinal Chemical Plant.
“We’re trying to get the hot spots out,” DeSumma said at about 5:30 p.m.
Because of the shape and size of the commercial property, firefighters are having some trouble getting their equipment close enough, DeSumma said.
No injuries have been reported and a cause is yet to be determined.
The Richland County Fire Marshall will investigate the fire.
Emergency Medical Services also responded as well as the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, which is blocking traffic.
Drivers should avoid the area and find alternatives routes, the fire department said.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 5:55 PM.