TIGHTSQUEEZE, Va. – A chemical fire near Chatham has been contained, but not before school officials sent students home early because of the noxious cloud.

The fire at the Tightsqueeze Industrial Park caused a chemical smoke cloud visible for several miles Tuesday afternoon.

Pittsylvania County Public Safety urged anyone within a mile of the industrial park to shelter indoors even though the fire has been contained.

Pittsylvania County School Superintendent Mark Jones sent a message to parents informing them of early dismissal because of the situation. Students from nearby Chatham High School were being bused to Chatham Middle School. Students who were brought to school by their parents were to be picked up there.

Pittsylvania County Public Safety urged the public to avoid breathing in the smoke.

Authorities cordoned off the area. Route 703 in Chatham was closed and police were directing traffic onto Cherrystone Road, which feeds back into Highway 29. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.

Times Fiber cancelled 2nd and 3rd shifts Tuesday due to smoke in Tightsqueeze area.

The fire started at Sartomer, a company in Tightsqueeze Industrial Park that produces chemicals used by other manufacturers “for coatings, graphic arts, electronics and adhesives and sealants.” A drum overheated and caught an acrylic building block on fire around 12:30 p.m. The chemical that ignited isn’t known.

Firefighters from Chatham, Danville, Dry Fork and Blairs responded to the incident. The Danville Haz Mat team assisted at the scene.

There were no injuries or complaints of respiratory illnesses.

Photos: Hutch Hutcheson and Chris Slemp, Public Safety Director in Pittsylvania County