An explosion rocked the area of US 1 and R.J. Conlan Boulevard in Palm Bay, Florida, Tuesday. - Photo courtesy of Palm Bay Fire Rescue

An explosion rocked the area of US 1 and R.J. Conlan Boulevard in Palm Bay, Florida, Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Palm Bay Fire Rescue

Palm Bay (Florida) Police and Fire Departments worked the scene of an explosion northeast Palm Bay. The explosion occurred shortly before 11:00am Tuesday.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but Fire Rescue personnel have determined that the explosion originated from an industrial storage area containing 30-40 50-gallon barrels of an isopropyl alcohol-based solution. Hazmat teams are on scene and have confirmed that the materials and resulting plume are non-toxic. One business was evacuated due to the explosion; however, no additional evacuations are required at this time.

An update issued by Palm City Fire Rescue at 2:20 p.m. states that the fire had been contained and crews remain on scene to monitor for hot spots. No evacuations were required. However, roadways in the US 1/Conlan area would remain closed in the afternoon.

Due to the industrial area, extra precautions are being taken to prevent potential flare ups. Patrick Air Force Base has responded to the scene with their crash truck to assist the effort by spraying the area with a layer of retardant foam.

Palm Bay Police Department has closed US1 and RJ Conlan Boulevard to traffic. Residents are asked to avoid the immediate area.

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