OTLEY, Iowa – Emergency management officials have issued an evacuation/shelter in place order due to hazardous materials burning at a co-op in Otley.

Marion County Emergency Management Director Emily Feagins told WHO 13 Tuesday morning the order was issued because of sulfur burning at the Twin Rivers Cooperative. The agency is concerned that the burning sulfur can cause irritation to the nose and eyes.

The order pertains to anyone living between Washington Street to Baldwin Street and from Highway 163 and Business 163. If residents need help finding emergency housing, they can contact MCEM at 641-828-2256, ext. 2 and leave their name and number, and they will get a call back.

The fire began in a building at the co-op in 300 block of Business Highway 163 on Monday. MCEM said several hundred tons of urea, potash, monoammonium phosphate, and sulfur were being stored at the facility.

Residents were initially evacuated while fire crews worked to contain the flames but were allowed to return later Monday. Now, MCEM wants them to leave again or shelter in place until the hazardous fumes disperse over the next few days.

MCEM expects the fire to smolder for several days.

All co-op employees are safe and have been accounted for.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.