A large fire at Howard Industries in Laurel, Mississippi, forced the evacuation of the manufacturing plant on Monday, 31 August, after flames broke out near a paint booth and a tanker carrying a potentially explosive substance.
Thick black smoke rose above the site as firefighters from across Jones County were called in to tackle the blaze. Local officials said all employees were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
Fire at Howard Industries plant
Laurel mayor Johnny Magee said the fire began at an outdoor paint booth before spreading to nearby equipment. The tanker was positioned next to the booth, increasing the danger faced by emergency crews.
The Jones County Fire Council urged people to avoid the area, warning that traffic could obstruct fire engines and put workers and first responders at greater risk.
The Laurel Fire Department was joined by crews from several surrounding departments, including Ellisville and Collins. The fire was mostly contained by about 8pm, according to local reports.
Officials have not disclosed the extent of the damage, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have also not identified the substance being carried by the tanker.
Smoke seen across Laurel
Footage recorded at the scene showed towering flames and dense smoke billowing from the Howard Industries facility. The column was reportedly visible from parts of Hattiesburg, about 30 miles away.
Lenard Bob Estacio, a Howard Industries employee who filmed the aftermath, described the plume in a Facebook post as a “cloud of black smoke” and said it was the worst fire he had seen in a long time.
Howard Industries, headquartered in Laurel, manufactures electrical distribution transformers and other technology products. The company’s operations include a major industrial complex in the city.
