Fire at Critical Mineral Recovery Draws 25 Fire Departments From Around Region

Fredericktown, Mo. (KFMO) - A fire at Critical Mineral Recovery in Fredericktown has fire departments from all around the region fighting the blaze.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:37 p.m. on Wednesday. Fire crews from 25 different departments have responded from around the region. Citizens living to the north of the facility have been notified because of windy conditions moving out of the south. A plan is being worked on to shelter displaced residents if needed.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office has been in contact with company representatives, who are not concerned about hazardous exposure. Inquiries about specific plant operations need to be referred to the company. The sheriff's office has also been in contact with Missouri State Emergency Management and the Department of Natural Resources.

Highway 72 between Lincoln Drive and Route OO is closed until further notice. Please avoid the area.

A full interview with Madison County Sheriff Katy McCutcheon can be found below.