Explosion at Chemical Plant Felt More Than 20 Miles

A massive fire engulfed a chemical warehouse in Perth, Australia's south region and triggered an explosion that could be felt by residents living more than 35km away, according to reports by local news sources.

The fire broke out in the Chemsol Australia factory about 7:45 p.m. Monday. Chemsol manufactures specialty chemicals including water treatment chemicals, dust suppression chemicals, drilling fluids and lubricants, industrial degreasers, fertilizers, carbon nitrate fertilizer, carbon liquid, and much more.

Fire crews battled the blaze for around an hour before a massive blast was triggered.

"There was an incident with some chemicals that reacted causing an explosion in the property, causing total loss of the property," said Western Australia (WA) Department of Fire and Emergency Services District Officer Ryan Murray. 

Fire crews used sand and foam in an effort to extinguish the blaze, which burned for around 12 hours.

A HAZMAT warning remained in place this morning with residents urged to stay indoors due to potentially dangerous smoke.

Fire crews worked throughout the day to remove any hazardous materials from the site. 

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's Pollution Response Unit and police were also on the scene.

No injuries have been reported.