Update Friday 12:30 p.m. from the State Fire Marshal’s Office:
The evacuation zone has been reduced to a one block area surrounding 105 W. Larkin St.
Persons with health conditions, such as asthma, pulmonary or cardiac issues, should be aware there is still smoke in the area. If you have one of these conditions, please take precautions when returning to your home or business.
All county offices surrounding the courthouse will remain closed today.
City Hall is open.
The Old Fiddler’s Reunion on the Square is delayed until further notice.
Original story:
ATHENS, Texas (AP) _ A fertilizer fire at an East Texas farm supply is being allowed to burn itself out.
Fire Chief John McQueary says the smoldering fire Friday morning is contained but an evacuation ordered early Thursday evening in the town of about 13,000 remained in effect. He says about a four-to five block area has been cordoned off. Mayor Jerry Don Vaught says about 300 to 350 people are affected.
No injuries are reported.
Athens is about 70 miles southeast of Dallas.
The fire broke out at the East Texas Ag Supply lot about 6 p.m. Thursday and flames reached about 60 feet.
Fertilizer fires have been of concern in Texas since an April 2013 fertilizer plant explosion killed 15, injured about 200 others and devastated the Central Texas town of West.