Over 1,200 residents evacuated as chemical plant fire generates irritating smoke in SW China

KUNMING -- More than 1,200 residents have been evacuated after a chemical plant fire on Tuesday released irritating fumes into the surrounding air in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, local authorities said Wednesday.

The fire broke out at around 11:50 am on Tuesday during the loading of yellow phosphorus at Yunnan Haoming fine phosphorus chemical company in Jinning district, according to a press release issued by the district government.

The blaze was put out at 10:07 pm Tuesday, and no casualties were reported.

Burning yellow phosphorus generated smoke that briefly degraded local air quality. Exposure to the smoke is known to irritate the eyes, nose and respiratory tract.

The company has suspended production and operations. Authorities will continue environmental monitoring and assessment, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.