Fire smoldering at East Texas fertilizer lot

ATHENS, Texas (AP) — A fertilizer fire at an East Texas farm supply is being allowed to burn itself out.

Fire Chief John McQueary says the smoldering fire Friday morning is contained but an evacuation ordered early Thursday evening in the town of about 13,000 remained in effect. He says about a four-to five block area has been cordoned off. Mayor Jerry Don Vaught says about 300 to 350 people are affected.

No injuries are reported.

Athens is about 70 miles southeast of Dallas.

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The fire broke out at the East Texas Ag Supply lot about 6 p.m. Thursday and flames reached about 60 feet.

Fertilizer fires have been of concern in Texas since an April 2013 fertilizer plant explosion killed 15, injured about 200 others and devastated the Central Texas town of West.