Residents living near Edmonton's Strathcona Industrial Park have been told to stay indoors and close their windows because of toxic smoke billowing from a fire at a pharmaceutical company.

Edmonton Fire Rescue crews were called to Naeja Pharmaceutical early Tuesday afternoon after a fire involving hazardous materials broke out.

"There have been some reported explosions, but I haven't confirmed how big they were," said Tim Wilson, Edmonton Fire Rescue spokesman.

More than 80 firefighters and 22 vehicles were called in to battle the blaze, said deputy fire chief John Lamb. He said crews were waiting for the roof to burn so they could get easier access to the flames.

Emergency crews are wearing breathing units to protect themselves from the smoke. Police are driving through neighbourhoods using loudspeakers to tell residents to stay inside and to turn off their air conditioners.

"We take this very seriously, we've got a warehouse full of a cocktail of chemicals," Lamb said.

Company president Chris Micetich said the fire at the research and development facility started in a small refrigerator used to store chemicals. The blaze led to a small explosion and the building was evacuated.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Edmontonians+warned+toxic+smoke+from+pharmaceutical+blaze/5164575/story.html#ixzz1WbgDUXLi

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