Fort Walton Beach Medical Center officials have reported that the hospital has not received patients from the explosion on Eglin AFB, confirming information from the base.

STORY UPDATE: Eglin says DEP information misleading, inaccurate concerning methylene chloride release

12:10 p.m.

Fort Walton Beach Medical Center officials have reported that the hospital has not received patients from the explosion on Eglin AFB, confirming information from the base.

FWBMC did say that the hospital is on stand-by for patients as Ocean City-Wright Fire Department completes decontamination work at the explosion site.

12:05 p.m.

Eglin AFB officials are reporting on social media that the smoke plume has dissipated from this morning's explosion at McKinley Climatic Lab.

While the report noted that it has not been determined if the smoke contained methyl chloride, a gas which can have serious effects on the nervous system, officials did advice the explosion did occur in close proximity of the chemical.

11:21 a.m



Base officials have clarified that the huge plume of smoke may contain methyl chloride. Earlier, they had reported that it definitely did contain the gas, which can have serious effects on the nervous system. They do not believe that there have been any injuries as a result of the explosion.

Individuals who are on Eglin within a perimeter between Eglin Boulevard to Van Matre have been advised to shelter in place and turn off heating and air conditioning units. Outside of the perimeter, there are no advisories, base officials said.

Destin Firefighters and Paramedics issued a public warning to all residents of Valparaiso, Niceville and Bluewater Bay that they should remain inside away from the smoke plume as a precaution.

"That would be a wise thing to do as a precaution," said a spokesperson for the base.

According to the spokesperson, the plume of smoke has already subsided.

10:55 a.m.

Eglin officials announced that the source of the smoke has been identified as methyl chloride and warned residents to avoid contact with the smoke if possible.

They added that there have been no injuries to any base employees as a result of this incident.

According to www.epa.gov, methyl chloride is used mainly in the production of silicones. Brief exposures to high levels of this gas can have serious affects on the nervous system, including convulsions and coma.

Destin Firefighters and Paramedics have issued a public warning to all residents of Valparaiso, Niceville and Bluewater Bay that they should remain inside away from the smoke plum as a precaution.

10:49 a.m.

Folks who work on Eglin report being told to stay inside and turn off their heating and air conditioner units.

Some area fire departments, including Ocean City-Wright Fire Department, have been called to assist.

10:45 a.m. This is what Eglin officials announced a few moments ago:

EGLIN AFB — A little before 10 a.m., an explosion occurred at McKinley Climatic Lab. A 1,000-foot cordon has been established, and the surrounding area has been evacuated. The smoke visible does not pose a health hazard to the general public.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

10:30 a.m.

There has been an explosion at McKinley Climatic Laboratory, according to Eglin Air Force Base officials.

They said they are not aware of any injuries as of 10:30 a.m. They did not have the exact time of the explosion but said that it had just happened.

Officials have cordoned off a 1,000-foot area around the lab, official said.

The explosion could be heard at Crab Island, where folks reported hearing two loud booms.

Check back for additional information.