Oye! News from Canada

Industrial Fire Near Oshawa Flares Possibly Toxic Smoke

Category: Canada Published on Saturday, 19 January 2013 15:49 Written by Sam Dixon

An industrial plant of McAsphalt Industries near Oshawa, a city located east of Toronto, have caused a great fire resulting in black, thick, billowing smoke which could be harmful for nearby residents. Neighboring residents are strictly advised to keep their windows closed as the smoke is suspected to possibly contain toxic elements. The smoke is constantly spreading from the southern part of the city and is currently visible from several kilometres away, as health offices suspect the smoke to contain carcinogens.

The smoke has already blown across Highway 401, while it drifts towards Oshawa and several other neighboring communities of Courtice and Bowmanville. Official announcements have informed all residents in path of the smoke to remain indoors and keep their windows closed. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment has already sent its inspectors to the scene for taking air quality samples. As a precautionary measure, several businesses near the factory have been evacuated, including the General Motors headquarters.

A driver travelling on Highway 401, Darren Carl, claims to have begun seeing the smoke from as far as Bowmanville. He described the smell to have a "thick odour," which smelt like burning asphalt or rubber. The McAsphalt plant is located at the corner of Farewell Street and Harbour Road. The fire reportedly began shortly after 5 a.m. ET, and now Oshawa Fire chief fire prevention officer, Susan King, claims that the fire might take all night and could continue up to Sunday until its completely put out. King added that as long as the fire is burning there will be smoke.

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