May 10, 2008 10:57 pm The chemical which spilled from a derailed freight car Thursday exploded into flames shortly after 9 tonight in the train yard where it was being stored. The chemical fire did not force the evacuation of homes, however police were warning residents in the area to stay in their homes with their windows and doors shut. No one was injured. The chemical known as sodium chlorate becomes hot and potentially explosive if it comes in contact with wood, paper or other combustible materials. The chemical was being stored in cardboard boxes lined in plastic in 55-gallon drums. It is unknown how much of the chemical was being stored there, but it was collected from the damaged train and what had been spilled along the 900 feet of track. The chemical is used to produce chlorine dioxide for bleaching paper. The fire broke out around 9:15 p.m. and was out by 10:30. Andover Street remains shut down between Parker Street and South Broadway. Rail service along the track has been stopped The Red Cross is at the scene. ENPRO Environmental Services of Newburyport, which oversaw the original cleanup, has also responded.
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