Published: March 30, 2009 12:27 pm      

Cause of chemical plant fire in Avalon sought

AVALON (AP) — A fire at a chemical plant in Avalon forced the evacuation of some nearby residents for several hours.

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher Jacklyn Webster says all evacuees were allowed back into their homes by early Monday. She told The Associated Press that the cause of Sunday night’s fire is sought.

An emergency call about the fire, at the plant associated with hazardous materials, was received shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday. Authorities say the blaze was extinguished within about 30 minutes.

Avalon is 40 miles south of Dallas.