A flash fire burned an employee this morning at a Lynn chemical plant that produces polymers and finishing compounds, Lynn police said.
Lynn firefighters responded to C.L. Hauthaway Corporation, at 638 Summer St., at about 11 a.m. to battle the fire.
The fire ignited when a 62-year-old employee was mixing chemicals in a large vat.
“Something caused the chemicals or the chemical vapors to flash,” said Lynn District Fire Chief Stephen Archer. “We don’t know yet what exactly caused the flash.”
The man suffered burns on his face, arms, and hands, Archer said.
An automatic sprinkler system activated, dousing the blaze.
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A hazardous materials team was called to inspect the building. The crew decided a chemical cleanup was not needed, Archer said.
The building was evacuated after the explosion, and the injured employee was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital. Officials said they had no information on the severity of the worker’s injuries.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, police said.
No further details were immediately available.
Jasper Craven can be reached at jasper.craven@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jasper_Craven