Flames erupt at Huntington’s H.K. Porter plant, residents voluntarily evacuate

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Flames engulfed Huntington’s abandoned H.K. Porter industrial site Thursday night forcing some nearby residents to voluntarily evacuate.

Crews first got to the scene off Sabine Street around 11 p.m. Thursday and initially saw flames through the windows according to Deputy Huntington Fire Marshal David Teusch.

The H.K. Porter factory first opened in 1919 and has had different operations throughout the years, ranging from manufacturing asbestos to friction materials. The plant closed in 1999.

A clean-up effort of the factory began in 2015. The site has a history with hazardous materials such as lead and benzene.

Crews remained on scene early Friday morning. According to Teusch, the scene is under control.

This is a developing story. Stay with Fort Wayne’s NBC for more details.

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