Friday, May 10
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Chemical Spill and Fire at Energizer Plant 2 Triggers Evacuation / Fire Response

[Scott Pelkey | North State Journal]

ASHEBORO N.C. – A fire and chemical spill at Energizer Plant 2 triggered an evacuation of the plant and a large response from the Asheboro and Randleman Fire Departments on Wednesday evening.

On Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, at 4:47 p.m. Asheboro Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at Energizer Plant 2, located at 419 Art Bryan Dr, in Asheboro.

While Asheboro Fire units were enroute the fire alarm was upgraded to a commercial fire and fire crews from Randleman Fire Department were added to the response.

AFRD personnel arrived on scene at 4:50 p.m. and found no smoke or fire from the exterior. 

According to a press release from AFRD, Energizer personnel spoke with fire crews at the scene and notified them they had a pressurized line break that contained a chemical.  It’s not clear what the chemical was at this time.

The press release says that some of the chemical “spilled onto the computer workstation that caused a short with some flame and sparks.”  Plant personnel said they were able to extinguish the fire prior to AFRD arrival and AFRD personnel investigated the area.

The plant was evacuated prior to the arrival of fire crews and no injuries were reported.

The incident was under control by 5:29 p.m.