Fire marshal investigates Wewoka chemical plant fire

WEWOKA, Okla. (AP) -- The state fire marshal is now investigating a fire that destroyed a chemical plant in Wewoka.<br/><br/>Wewoka Fire Chief Kevin Anderson says the fire marshal is interviewing employees

Wednesday, July 21st 2004, 5:10 pm

By: News On 6

WEWOKA, Okla. (AP) -- The state fire marshal is now investigating a fire that destroyed a chemical plant in Wewoka.

Wewoka Fire Chief Kevin Anderson says the fire marshal is interviewing employees of Cochran Chemical Company. Anderson says he expects a report in about three days and he estimates damage to the plant at about a $500,000.

The fire began Wednesday afternoon when a spark ignited chemicals as they were being mixed.

The blaze forced the evacuation of nearby homes and the closing of State Highway 56 for 16.5 hours.

Residents were allowed to return home Thursday morning and the highway was reopened.