No injuries after chemical reaction

A chemical reaction at an industrial packaging plant was contained Friday morning and no injuries were reported, according to officials.

The incident occurred about noon at Greif Inc., 2400 Cooper Ave. The company manufactures industrial packaging systems for carrying products such as steel containers, fiber drums, plastic drums and more, according to its website.

Some mixed products created the chemical reaction, according to Merced Fire Chief Mike McLaughlin, who said the reaction was contained in a 55-gallon drum.

Two fire companies responded and set up a perimeter around the area. The county fire department's hazardous materials team also was called in, McLaughlin said.

"They took some samples of the product and helped define the hazards," McLaughlin said. "It just self-stabilized."

-- Ameera Butt