Neighbor Feared Plastic Plant Fire

Marlene Bowlby’s main worry about neighboring business has been a fire or explosion.

Her fear became reality this morning as a massive blaze destroyed the plant and drew response from more than 50 fire departments from three counties.

Bowlby awoke to flashing lights at 5am. At first, she thought someone was trying to break into the plant.

Neighbors watched helplessly as ominous black smoke filled the skies over their homes. Responders have struggled since before 6am to get enough water to the site to extinguish the fire.

Bowlby let firefighters use her outdoor spigot to replenish their misting fans; temperatures are expected to reach 90 today.

“Since they built [Nicos Polymer Group], this is the one thing that worried me -- a fire or explosion,” she said. “Well, any industrial plant is a concern. I don’t mind them being here and I haven’t had any major complaints, but something like this always concerned me.”

Bowlby, of the 600 block of Bangor Road (Route 191) in Plainfield Township, has lived in the same home for 39 years. She used to tell friends and family that she lived literally in the middle of a cornfield. Businesses have cropped up across the street in recent years.

“I’ve seen this area expand quite a bit since I’ve been here," Bowlby said as she watched from her driveway as .

Arthur Dorney, Bowlby’s neighbor who has lived on Bangor Road for about 51 years, also saw the flashing lights around 5am.

“We’re really not used to this much commotion,” Dorney joked.

Officials have warned residents to stay indoors with windows shut until the thick smoke dissipates. The towering plume of smoke can be seen miles away in Easton and Allentown.