Pinova plant fire extinguished, shelter-in-place and evacuation orders lifted

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — Update April 16, 9:28 p.m.: The state of emergency for the City of Brunswick has ended at 8 a.m. this morning.

10:08 p.m. Update: A Glynn County spokesperson announced that the Pinova plant fire has been reportedly extinguished. Crews will be deploying foam for the next hour to ensure that the fire does not reignite.

Due to the successful efforts of the firefighters, both the shelter-in-place and evacuation orders have been lifted for Brunswick. Residents can now resume their normal activities and return to their homes.

The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the area is safe for all residents.

8:30 p.m. Update: A media briefing was held Saturday at 8:30 p.m. regarding the Pinova Industrial Plant fire that started earlier in the day featuring Asst Brunswick Fire Chief Laurence Cargile and Mayor Cosby Johnson.

Brunswick Mayor Cosby Johnson announced a local declaration of Emergency for the city due to the uncertainty of the fire spreading, as well as the wind blowing the smoke and flames. The Mayor stressed the importance of protecting the entirety of the city, not just a portion of it.

The fire is reportedly contained and under control due to the efforts of the firefighters and foam operations. It however has not been put out and teams are still working to extinguish it. The origin of the fire is not yet known, and investigations are ongoing.

A shelter-in-place order has been issued for the entirety of Brunswick city limits, and a perimeter has been established around the facility. The objective is to create a “foam operation” around the perimeter to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The authorities have recommended evacuations for areas within half a mile of the Pinova Plant site, located at 2801 Cook St.

“We understand that is something difficult to do, but we are asking you to commit to not only keeping us safe but keeping other citizens safe and keeping your family safe,” Johnson said.

The American Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at Howard Coffin Park, 1402 Sonny Miller Way in Brunswick, to provide temporary accommodations for those displaced by the voluntary evacuations.

Police agencies are patrolling the perimeter to ensure that the area is clear and that people are sheltering in place. Fire retardants have also been brought to the scene to help contain the fire.

Mayor Johnson expressed his gratitude to the multi-district and state service teams that worked tirelessly to contain and fight the fire. Crews from Savannah, Jacksonville, and Waine County were on-site to help fight the blaze.

The Mayor urged residents to remain vigilant and adhere to the shelter-in-place order until the situation is completely under control. He also expressed his appreciation for the community’s patience and understanding during this challenging time.

There are currently no injuries reported due to the fire.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated when more details arrive.

Location of the shelter listed for people displaced.

Update: The Glynn County Board of Commissioners released a statement at 5:30 p.m. ordering an evacuation for residents inside a half-mile radius of the Pinova plant due to the large fire.

The Forest Service has stated they will airdrop on the Pinova Plant fire and will shut down all businesses and roads inside of the evacuation radius due to safety.

Multiple drop sites may be planned at the scene. Will update you when locations are confirmed.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue has arrived at the scene to assist with the fire.

A media briefing will be held at 8:30 p.m.

The video below provided by Ali Reynolds showcases the Pinova plant fire at 3:30 p.m.

Original: A large fire at the Pinova plant has been reported on St. Simons Island prompting Glynn County to issue a shelter-in-place order for a mile radius around the plant Saturday.

The Brunswick City Fire Department and Glynn County Fire immediately responded to the scene, but due to the windy conditions on the island, the fire continued to spread.

A large black cloud of smoke is reportedly visible over St. Simons and the southern tip of the island. Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the fire reportedly sparked again due to the winds in the area, causing the situation to become even more dangerous.

This has prompted the Brunswick and Glynn County Fire Departments to deploy additional resources to the scene, including Brunswick Police officers, the State Fire Marshall, the Environmental Protection Division, Waynesville Volunteer Fire Department, and the Glynn County Emergency Management Agency. The combined efforts of these agencies are working to contain the fire and prevent further damage.

Residents living within a mile radius of the plant are urged to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activities until the situation was brought under control.

Residents who live on St. Simons Island, north of St. Simons Island Airport and people east of US-341 in Brunswick to shelter in place.

RELATED: Fire at Brunswick chemical plant prompts evacuations

Action News Jax is on the way to the scene to bring you further details about this fire, and what may have caused it.

We reached out for comment from the Southeast Georgia Health System which is located inside the shelter-in-place advisory. They have withheld comments at this time.

This is an ongoing scene and will be updated when details arrive.

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