Fire, explosion rock Okla. chemical plant

Kim Hjelmgaard and Doug Stanglin | USA TODAY

A fire and early-morning explosion Thursday at an industrial facility rocked the area around the small town of Thomas, Okla., in Custer County, but caused no injuries, according to local media.

KWTV News 9, citing police, said about 10 families living near the Danlin plant were evacuated. KOCO reports that a 4-mile area around the plant was cleared.

The Oklahoman reports that Michael Galloway, Custer County Emergency Management director, told the highway patrol that there was no one in the plant at the time of the fire.

News9 said it was plant policy to allow such fires to burn out to avoid compounding problems by pouring water on chemicals.

It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.

According to its website, Danlin produces chemicals for the oil and gas industry.