Explosion, fire at Que. Formica Canada plant

Fire officials have blocked off a security perimeter around a factory in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.,after an explosion Friday morning.

The blast happened at 11:15 a.m. in a chemical reservoir at the Formica Canadaplant on Mercier Street, not far from the CEGEP Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu campus.

No one was injured andthe fire is under control.

The facility, which has about 200 workers, has been evacuated. Fire officials are asking people in the area to keep their windows closed.

Officials from Environment Quebec are on the scene.

A Formica spokesperson said the reservoir contained resin or methanol.

The plant produces laminate for kitchen and bathroom counters.

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is located 40 kilometres south of Montreal.