At least two oil tanks at the F.O. Day Bituminous Company asphalt plant in Rockville, Maryland, have caught fire, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky. The incident, which occurred at 13900 Piney Meeting House Road, created a massive blaze at a quarry in Montgomery County on Thursday afternoon.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesperson Pete Piringer assured the public during an afternoon news conference that the fire was contained and posed no danger to surrounding communities. However, concerns were initially raised about air quality due to the heavy smoke emissions.

Firefighters were rushed to the scene around 11:45 a.m., and as of 4 p.m., the fire was still burning. The blaze reportedly involved two tanks of liquid asphalt, one tank of used motor oil, as well as a conveyor belt and other large equipment. Piringer praised the progress made by the fire crews in extinguishing the flames by that time.

To ensure safety, a hazmat team and crews from the Maryland Department of the Environment worked to shut off the supply of natural gas to a boiler that was fueling the fire. Firefighters faced a unique challenge as the fire involved asphalt, which is petroleum-based. They had to avoid using water and instead relied on foam to smother the flames.

In an effort to bring the fire fully under control, assistance from outside resources was called for. This included a large tanker from Howard County and a foam unit from another fire department.

While air quality remained a concern, Piringer reassured the public by likening the situation to a Code Yellow, indicating comparable air pollution levels to a bad day. He advised residents in the vicinity to limit their time outdoors and keep their windows closed as a precautionary measure.

Fortunately, all employees were safely evacuated from the plant, and no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Aerial footage captured by SkyTrak7, the news helicopter operated by 7News, showed the tanks engulfed in flames, with billowing black smoke rising above them.

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and work diligently to fully extinguish the fire, ensuring the safety and well-being of the surrounding community.