Authorities said at least 5,000 people are under a mandatory evacuation Thursday morning following a train fire in Blount County.

Around midnight a train fire was reported near Old Mt. Tabor Road, which is located off Highway 321, just west of the Foothills Mall. The CSX train was carrying Acrylonitrile, which is a flammable and poisonous liquid.

Mandatory evacuations of a nearby apartment complex started around 12:30 a.m. and it includes a two mile radius.

The Red Cross is setting up a shelter at Heritage High School in Maryville for those who do not have a place to stay while the evacuations are in effect. Authorities said evacuees cannot bring pets to the Red Cross shelter at Heritage High School.

Animals can be dropped off at the Blount County Animal Shelter at 233 Curie Avenue in Maryville. According to Don Stallions, the Director of General Services, people cannot stay at the shelter. The Blount County Animal Shelter will feed and take care of pets.

We are told by the Blount County Sheriff’s Department that these evacuations may be in effect for 24 to 48 hours.

The Alcoa Walmart located at 1030 Hunters CrossingMandatory evacuation is required for the following areas: