Asphalt plant blaze sends black smoke billowing into the sky

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Asphalt plant blaze sends black smoke billowing into the sky

October 22, 2018

A major fire in the RM of Springfield, just east of Winnipeg could be seen for several kilometres as thick black smoke billowed into the air on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Black smoke billows from the Husky Energy owned asphalt plant in the Rm of Springfield, just east of Winnipeg on October 22, 2018 (City of Winnipeg)

Fire crews are on scene battling the blaze at Ponder Emulsions, owned by Husky Oil, on Day Street that began around 10:00 am

Ponder Emulsions is an asphalt plant that produces dozens of different asphalt products used in the construction industries.

RCMP block access to the area around the asphalt plant fire in the RM of Springfield (RCMP)

Roads in the area are closed to traffic while emergency crews battle the blaze.

https://twitter.com/HuskyEnergy/status/1054426350780526592

Fire on Day at. In Winnipeg. Pounder emulsions, maybe? @CBCWinnipeg @ctvwinnipeg @globalwinnipeg #fire #smoke #winnipeg #manitoba pic.twitter.com/hbMKhhnysS

— Jeremy Scott (@jeremyscottart) October 22, 2018

Although there is no word on injuries people in area homes, schools and businesses are facing a mandatory evacuation until the fire is under control.

River East Transcona School Division says that several schools in the area, Arthur Day, École Margaret-Underhill, John W. Gunn, Radisson & Transcona Collegiate were in a hold and secure mode until 2:45 pm where the external doors to the school were locked. This was being done in an effort to prevent smoke from entering the schools. In several other schools classes have been cancelled for the day. Students at Murdoch MacKay & Collège Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau have been sent home.