Scallop plant fire spews toxic smoke

NEW BEDFORD, Mass., (WPRI) - A fire in a scallop processing plant along New Bedford's waterfront Wednesday evening sent toxic smoke into the air, and kept firefighters busy for hours.

The fire broke out in the upper floor of Eastern Fisheries on Hervey Tichon Avenue around 8:00 p.m. Firefighters said the flames were in a refrigeration area.

Workers said they heard a loud explosion just before the fire started. Everyone inside the building made it out safely, according to firefighters.

Fire Chief Brian Saria said burning insulation made the heavy gray smoke toxic. He added the building's layout made the fire difficult to fight. Firefighters had to break into several locked areas to deal with the flames.

Crews were still on scene investigating late Wednesday night.