The state lifted the shelter-in place order it issued early Tuesday afternoon following a morning crash on I-95 involving hazardous materials.
Officials say the crash involved a pickup truck pulling a trailer of organic peroxide and occurred near the intersection of I-95 and Airport Road shortly before 6 a.m.
DNREC made the decision to burn off the peroxide at the scene, and started doing so around 1 p.m.
“It was the safest way to move it and get it out of the roadway. Again, we know it’s an inconvenience, but it’s the easiest way to diffuse the situation. The situation is still going on. I believe the burn should be ending here shortly,” said Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director AJ Schall a bit before 3 p.m.
Both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 were closed for much of the afternoon, but the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announced around 3 p.m. it opened the southbound lanes.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted about the same time. It was issued via reverse 911 for a half mile around the site of the crash.
"We ask for folks' patience," said Gov. John Carney Tuesday afternoon. "Fortunately, luckily not a lot of residents in that area. As I understand it, not a real threat with the fumes in that way."
Peroxide is highly flammable. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) says there are no lingering air quality issues expected as a result of the spill.
This story has been updated.