Residents in Carbon Hill, have been instructed to shelter in place following a hazardous materials fire caused by a wreck on Interstate 22. The Walker County Sheriff's Office issued the order, which affects individuals within a one-mile radius of the Byler Road overhead bridge. The fire resulted from an 18-wheeler carrying chemicals, including propylene, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and potassium hydroxide, which caught fire between mile markers 39 and 46 on I-22 Westbound.
According to WBRC, Walker County 911 and the Emergency Management Agency advised residents to close all doors and windows and remain indoors until further notice. The roadway is currently closed, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to ensure safety.
The situation has led to significant precautionary measures to protect the community from potential harm due to the hazardous materials involved. Reports that the fire has raised concerns about the chemicals' potential impact on the environment and public health.
Authorities are actively managing the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.