UPDATE:

Escambia County officials say Highway 29 and Muscogee Road are expected to be re-opened by mid-day Monday.

The roadways were closed overnight Sunday following the explosion at International Paper due to debris.

Until the roads are back open, detours are being utilized along Jacks Branch and Kingsfield Roads.

This is a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol on detours and "black liquor" substance on the roads:





"Currently and due to the explosion at the International Paper Company Plant in Cantonment, US Hwy 29 is closed at Muscogee Road to the north. US Hwy 29 and Tate Road to the south.

Muscogee Road and Jacks Branch Road to the west and County Rd 95A from Woodbury Place to Muscogee Road. At this point there is still no time frame on how long the roadway will be closed for cleanup.

The substance on the roadway is called “Black Liquor”. It is a skin, eye and respiratory irritant. The State Fire Marshall is on scene and there are trucks with sand on standby to begin the cleanup.

The Escambia Sheriff’s Office is on scene assisting. Currently FHP personnel assigned to this incident due to road closures."





UPDATE:

Escambia County officials released this statement late Sunday on the substance found in the roadways after the explosion:

"Ash and pulp material may be present in areas around the mill and roads. If you come in contact with the pulp material (which is a sticky substance), it is advised that you immediately wash your hands with warm or cold water and vinegar. Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. If your vehicle comes in contact with the pulp material or ash, you are encouraged to wash your vehicle. "



ORIGINAL STORY:

Channel 3 News is receiving several reports of an explosion in Cantonment.

Escambia County authorities confirmed the explosion was at the International Paper facility on Muscogee Road.

The county reports calls about the explosion came in to the county's emergency communications at 7:38 p.m. on Saturday.

There is no active fire, no reported injuries or fatalities reported by the county at this time.

Highway 29 and Muscogee Road near the plant are closed until further notice.

According to Joy Tsubooka, the Community & Media Relations Manager for Escambia County, residents near the plant may see ash falling as a result. She reports the is not hazardous and can be washed off skin with a mild soap and water.

We have reports of a substance in the area. Escambia County is investigating this and will release more information when they know what it is.

Viewers in our area called reporting their houses shook and there was an odd odor in the air.

Others have reported Highway 29 in front of the International Paper Mill has a slippery substance on the road causing cars to spin out.

The Escambia County School District Superintendent, Malcolm Thomas, has announced that all schools will open on time on Monday.



"We are working with the Escambia County Administrator as they manage the situation following the explosion at International Paper's mill," said Thomas. "Our employees who need to travel through the affected area along Hwy 29 need to be alert to possible detours or heavy traffic."

The ECSD Transportation Department is working to create alternative routes created by any detours caused by the clean up efforts. All buses parked near the Mill have been checked and have been cleared.

The International Paper Mill is expected to hold a press conference Monday.