Huge chemical blaze erupts at Howard Industries transformer plant in Laurel, Mississippi

A large chemical fire erupted at the Howard Industries manufacturing complex in Laurel, Mississippi, after a paint booth ignited beside a tanker truck loaded with an explosive substance. Mayor Johnny Magee reported that the incident forced the evacuation of all employees and summoned fire departments from across Jones County. By early evening, crews had largely contained the blaze, though video shared on social media captured towering flames, dense black smoke and multiple booming sounds as firefighters worked the perimeter.

Local resident Brandon Herford Brewer, who filmed the scene, said the heat was unbearable and confirmed that the building had been cleared of personnel. Howard Industries, a maker of electrical transformers for utilities, operates a plant covering roughly 2.3 million square feet at the site. Authorities urged the public to stay clear of the vicinity to prevent traffic delays and protect first responders, while details on injuries or property loss were still pending.