UPDATE – 4:30 p.m. — Press release from Marion County Emergency Management About Fire at Two Rivers Cooperative in Otley

“We are currently responding to a significant fire at a fertilizer storage facility in Otley, IA. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the fire is expected to smolder for several days due to the chemicals stored in the building.
The chemicals stored in the facility include:
– Urea: 392 tons
– Potash: 378 tons
– MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate): 36 tons
– Sulfur: 265 tons

As a precautionary measure, Otley has been evacuated to ensure the safety of residents.

Residents on the south side of Old Business HWY 163 may access their homes via 160th Ave or from the west side of town.

Emergency response teams will remain on-site and continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of all involved. We ask everyone to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines.”

Marion County Emergency Management has clarified that residents can return to their homes, but access to Otley from Highway 163 is limited due to road closures.

ORIGINAL POST:
An evacuation notice has been issued in Otley for a fire at 311 Business Highway 163. This is due to possible sulfur in the facility. Residents have been asked to move to outside of a 1/2 mile radius of the area. Pella Rural Fire, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Pella Community Ambulance, Knoxville Fire and Rescue, and Marion County Emergency Management have responded. Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for updates regarding the situation.