5,000 Flee Fumes From Pesticide Fire

A fire broke out at a Red Panther Chemical Co. pesticide plant before dawn today, driving 5,000 people from their homes and forcing officials to declare a state of emergency in the 2.8 square miles surrounding the plant.

At least three people were treated for breathing problems caused by fumes. Firefighters brought the blaze under control three hours after it started and 3,000 of the evacuees were told they could return home by midday.