Authorities say a large fire that raged through a Nebraska chemical plant was extinguished by Tuesday morning and nearby residents who were initially evacuated were allowed to return to their homes. Thick smoke billowed from the Nox-Crete facility just southwest of downtown Omaha that could be seen as far away as the Elkhorn River, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the west. Fire crews then fought the fire from outside the building, noting the presence of chemicals and propane bottles inside. Explosions could be seen and heard as propane tanks ruptured.