A large fire broke out at a Howard Industries manufacturing plant in Laurel, Mississippi, on Monday, sending flames and thick black smoke into the sky and forcing all employees to evacuate. The blaze started when a paint booth ignited next to a tanker truck carrying an explosive substance, according to Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee, prompting a large-scale response from fire departments across Jones County. The incident matters because the facility produces electrical transformers used to supply power to homes and businesses, and officials warned that heavy traffic near the site could hinder firefighters and endanger workers and first responders.

Social media footage showed flames engulfing part of the site and loud explosions as people fled the area, with one bystander describing the intense heat as he escaped. Fire crews had largely brought the blaze under control by 8pm, though officials had not confirmed whether anyone was injured or detailed the extent of the damage. Howard Industries' Laurel site covers around 2.3 million square feet, and authorities urged the public to stay away while the situation was brought fully under control.