Residents evacuated after factory fire

EAST HAMPTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Local residents were evacuated after a fire broke out at a 200-year-old factory in East Hampton Saturday night.

The fire broke out just before midnight, at the Bevin Bell Factory.

More than 30 fire companies and over 200 firefighters responded to the three-alarm blaze.

There were major concerns over propane tanks at the scene.

"Right now the propane company is checking the tanks out, making sure there are no issues," said Chief Paul Owen, East Hampton Fire Department. "The bulk of the fire is knocked down, but the building is destroyed."

Police said that people living within close proximity to the factory have been asked to stay inside for the time being due to "chemical concerns."

Those who were evacuated from their homes are not being allowed to return at this time.

Fire crews are expected to be on the scene most of the day Sunday working to put out the hot spots.

Sunday afternoon DEEP said that after multiple hours of sampling, no hazardous amounts of chlorine, volitole organic compounds, CO, or hydro-cyanide were found in the air.

Additionally, DEEP said there were no significant hazardous materials found in the building and there is no public threat at this time.