Chemical Tank Blast Damages Vista Business

Fire crews responded to Watkins Manufacturing on Park Center Drive after reports of an explosion

A large chemical container exploded and crashed through the roof of a business in Vista Thursday.

The 20-foot, 8,000-gallon tank landed inside Watkins Manufacturing at 1280 Park Center Drive.

Firefighters got the initial call around 10:30 p.m. reporting an explosion and smoke.

Crews from Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Carlsbad, San Marcos and the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health all responded.

Crews had the fire knocked down by 1:40 a.m. and crews left the scene around 5 a.m.

It’s unknown if there was even a fire inside the business according to one battalion chief who explained the sprinklers may have been activated by the explosion.

There may have been some form of exothermic reaction officials said.

One crews realized there were chemicals involved, hazardous materials experts were called. They later determined there was no hazmat emergency.

No chemicals got into the water or air.

The business should be fully operational by Tuesday. 

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