Marion County Public Safety and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will continue to monitor the site.
OTLEY, Iowa — UPDATE: April 3, 10:45 a.m.
The Pella Fire Department has lifted an evacuation and shelter-in-place order for Otley residents, three days after a fire at a fertilizer storage facility.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed the air quality safe after monitoring the area over the course of several hours. In addition, Pella fire crews have extinguished the fire and the smoke has cleared.
Marion County Public Safety and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will continue to monitor the site.
Residents with health concerns related to the incident are encouraged to contact their doctor or Marion County Public Health at 641-828-2238.
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Previous reporting:
The Marion County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is recommending some Otley residents evacuate or shelter in place Tuesday following a fire at a fertilizer storage company Monday afternoon.
The update comes as Marion County EMA previously told residents they were free to return home Monday night.
The recommendation affects people near Washington and Baldwin, and State Highway 163 to Business Highway 163.
Anyone who chooses to evacuate should contact Marion County EMA for temporary relocation help.
For those choosing to shelter in place, Marion County shared the following guidelines:
A spokesperson for Marion County EMA said burning sulfur was the cause of the smoke. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas with a strong odor that may harm humans and animals.
If inhaled, sulfur smoke can cause wheezing, sore throat, nausea, skin and eye irritation and difficulty breathing.
People with lung disease, as well as children and older adults, are at the highest risk.
While the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Pella Fire Department, it is expected to continue to smolder for several days, depending on weather.
KNIA local radio initially reported the town's full evacuation began shortly before 1:30 p.m. Monday.
The facility that caught fire reportedly contained the following:
The facility has been reported as a total loss, officials told Local 5.
No neighboring structures sustained any damages and there have been no reported injuries, according to officials. Multiple residents expressed to Local 5 that they were thankful the flames didn't spread to their homes.
Brian Zahnle, general manager of Two Rivers Cooperative, which owns the fertilizer storage facility, sent Local 5 the following statement:
"All staff are safe and accounted for. We would like to sincerely thank the local fire departments and emergency personnel. We would also like to express appreciation to fellow farm cooperatives who have reached out to offer support and assistance during this time, as well as local law enforcement and city officials for their coordination and efforts.
As we assess the situation, we will provide updates as more information becomes available. We also appreciate the support of the local community and businesses who have offered assistance during this time. For now, please know that safety remains our top priority.”
Press Release: Otley, IA Fertilizer Storage Facility Fire Update We are currently responding to a significant fire at a...
Posted by Marion County Emergency Management Agency on Monday, March 31, 2025