A fire broke out at a battery plant in Fredericktown, Missouri, prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. The Critical Mineral Recovery plant near Highway OO and Highway 72 caught fire, causing heavy smoke and potential toxic fumes.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for areas north and northwest of village creek road and Madison 217, while those not in the evacuation zone were advised to shelter indoors. The Fredericktown Fire Department recommended closing windows, doors, and turning off AC systems for those in the smoke plume area.
The fire, which started around 2 p.m., has not resulted in any reported injuries. The plant, known for being one of the largest lithium-ion battery processing facilities globally, experienced extensive damage to the roof and ongoing flames. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Despite having a sophisticated fire detection and suppression system, the fire still posed challenges due to the substances inside the plant. HAZMAT crews and local fire departments are on the scene, with the National Weather Service providing support on the plume direction and dispersion.
Silver Mines General Baptist Church on Highway D is offering shelter to those affected by the evacuation orders. The City of Fredericktown is not currently impacted by the evacuation orders, and the fire is being monitored closely for any developments.
The Critical Mineral Recovery plant is located 90 miles south of St. Louis and 20 miles south of Farmington in Madison County, Missouri. Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
