Greenville Shelter Order Lifted After Mississippi Chemical Plant Explosion

Fire contained, shelter order lifted

November 4, 2026 · 3:30 p.m. Central

A shelter-in-place order has been lifted after an explosion and fire Wednesday morning at the Loveland Products chemical facility in Greenville, Mississippi, local authorities said.

The Washington County Emergency Operations Center said the fire was under control and no injuries had been reported, WLOX reported. Emergency crews were taking precautionary decontamination steps after possible exposure to chemicals.

Officials continued asking people to avoid the immediate plant area while crews worked. The available reports do not establish that the fire had been fully extinguished or identify the cause of the explosion.

What officials reported

Greenville firefighters were notified of the explosion shortly after 7 a.m. Central, the Associated Press reported. A plume of black smoke rose from the site on the city’s eastern side.

Preliminary information provided by plant management said the incident involved a fire associated with a herbicide chemical, according to the city statement cited by AP. That description does not establish how the fire or explosion started, or identify all substances involved.

Multiple fire departments and hazardous-materials teams responded; state environmental personnel and the Environmental Protection Agency were dispatched to assist with monitoring and safety, WLOX reported. Nutrien, Loveland’s parent company, said plant leaders were working with responders, according to AP.

What the shelter order covered

The local order was issued before 9:30 a.m. Central for a defined area near the facility and later lifted, WLOX reported. Authorities still asked residents to stay away from the immediate site as operations continued.

Conditions and instructions can change. People nearby should follow the latest notices from local emergency officials. WLOX reported that anyone who suspects exposure to hazardous fumes should seek medical evaluation.

Where this happened

The star marks the approximate Greenville area in western Mississippi; it does not identify the plant’s exact boundaries.

What happened Wednesday

1. Shortly after 7 a.m. Central — Firefighters are notified of the explosion, AP reports.
2. Before 9:30 a.m. Central — A local shelter-in-place order is issued, WLOX reports.
3. Later Wednesday — Authorities report the fire under control and lift the shelter order; officials ask the public to avoid the immediate area.

Sources and visual credits

WLOX: emergency center update · Associated Press: city and company statements · Darkhorse Press: initial city information.

Visual: conceptual industrial illustration, not a photograph of the facility or incident. Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.