Chemical Fire Burns At BioLab Inc. Near Lake Charles In Aftermath Of Hurricane Laura

A video posted by the Cajun Navy on Facebook shows smoke rising from a fire in Westlake, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. Aug. 27, 2020.

A chemical fire is burning at BioLab Inc. in Westlake, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

The plant complex makes chlorine for swimming pools. Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Press Secretary Greg Langley confirmed the location of the fire for New Orleans Public Radio.

LDEQ is responding along with state police and local agencies, Langley said.

Louisiana State Police confirmed that a hazmat team is responding.

The Cajun Navy, a southern Louisiana volunteer group that responds to natural disasters, shared this video of smoke rising over the city.

“Residents are advised to shelter in place until further notice and close your doors and windows. Follow the directions of local officials,” Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted.

The state also pushed out an emergency text notice.

The Cajun Navy, as well as The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate reporter Bryn Stole, report that I-10 has been shut down.

This is a developing story and will be updated.