Lexington, Ky. — Chemicals spilled in a train derailment in Rockcastle County caused a fire that was put out Thursday afternoon, CSX confirmed on its website.

Later Thursday, the company said local residents in Livingston could return home after authorities conducted air monitoring.

They had been urged Wednesday to evacuate after Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency.

The derailment involved 16 rail cars, including two that were carrying molten sulphur. It derailed north of Livingston on Wednesday afternoon.

“While there is still work to be done, we are thankful for the good news that our families in Livingston are able to spend the rest of Thanksgiving at home,” Beshear said in a post to X Thursday.

In addition to the cars carrying sulphur, the company said two other cars were loaded with magnesium hydroxide, “but there is no indication that these cars were breached.

The remaining cars were either empty or carrying non-hazardous products like grain or plastic.”

Exposure to sulphur dioxide can make breathing difficult and can damage the respiratory system, according to the EPA. People with asthma, especially children, are susceptible. The chemical can also damage the environment.

“CSX encourages residents in proximity to the incident who are concerned about their safety to utilize the lodging that the company has secured in Mt. Vernon, KY,” CSX said in the statement. “In addition to the hotels, the CSX team is working with local restaurants to provide meals for affected residents.”

The governor urged people to “please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.”

U.S. 25 was closed between Calloway Branch Road and the Laurel County line, WYMT reported Wednesday night.

In addition to residents of Livingston, people in Piney Branch were also asked to evacuate “as a precautionary measure,” state Sen. Brandon Storm, whose district includes Rockcastle County, said in a news release Wednesday night.

He said no casualties were reported, just one engineer sustained minor injuries and “the impacted area appears remote. For all of this, we can be thankful.”

The Energy and Environment Cabinet Emergency Response Team has responded to the scene, and the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated, the governor’s office said in its news release.

“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Beshear said in the release.

Storm said he is committed “to working closely with all relevant parties to provide timely updates and address any concerns. “I will closely monitor the cleanup to ensure the well-being of our community,” he said in the release.

CSX said it will cover the cost for “concerned residents” who wish to stay at the Quality Inn on Wilderness Road or the Haven Inn on Richmond Street in Mount Vernon. They said residents can eat at the Derby City South Truck Stop on Richmond Street or the Limestone Grill on Holt Drive.

A temporary shelter also was set up at Rockcastle County Middle School. Rockcastle County Schools said in a Facebook post Wednesday night that cots, food, water and a pet trailer were available “for all community members in need.”