A fire erupted at an industrial facility in suburban Detroit on Monday night, causing multiple explosions that rattled the area and sent debris flying into the air, prompting urgent warnings from the police to residents to stay indoors.
According to the Clinton Township Police Department’s Facebook page, the debris fell as far as a mile away from the site of the fire, located near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway. As authorities worked to contain the situation, authorities were uncertain about the exact cause of the fire and its potential health effects.
Police have urged residents to remain indoors and away from the fire area, emphasizing the seriousness of the ongoing danger. Bright orange flames and bursts that resembled explosions were captured in news helicopter footage of the intense blaze.
According to Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, the explosions started at 9 pm at the Select Distributors plant, prompting a quick response from local law enforcement and firefighters. Hackel mentioned that the explosions were believed to involve CO2 or propane, causing continuous blasts during the blaze.
Authorities reported that the fire had been contained by late Monday night, but their attention now shifted to assessing the air quality in the area. To monitor air conditions and provide updates on potential risks, a HAZMAT unit was deployed.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with Kevin Felster recounting his experience of seeing metal debris scattered on the ground, ranging from the size of a spray can to that of a car wheel, near the site of the fire. While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the severity of the situation remained unclear.
Select Distributors, the company that was affected by the fire, specializes in supplying novelty items, phone accessories, and other merchandise to different retail outlets. At the time of reporting, the company was unable to be reached for comment.
Residents from nearby areas, including Joleen Vultaggio from Sterling Heights, reported hearing the explosions from a distance and described it as an intense and continuous experience.
County executive: fire contained
Local 4 was informed by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel at 11:06 p.m. Monday about the situation.
He confirmed that the explosions began around 9 p.m. at the Select Distributors plant, and Clinton Township officers and firefighters immediately went to the scene.
“They understand some type of CO2 or propane explosions were taking place at the facility, and again, it was just continuous explosions, as well as the fire,” Hackel said.
He said it’s going to take the fire department some time to figure out exactly what’s inside the facility, because they have to put out the fire first.
Air quality
Hackel said there are eight different fire departments at the plant, and it took awhile to figure out what was going on. He said the fire is contained.
“Their concern right now is — obviously they’re taming the fire, but now, what’s going on with that air quality?” Hackel said. “We have a HAZMAT unit that’s out trying to test the air quality so we can get further updates.”
No reports of injuries
As of 11:07 p.m. Monday, Hackel stated that there have been no injuries reported.
Officials are still urging residents to stay away from the area.
What type of plant is it?
It appears that the building in question is a large industrial plant that manufactures knickknacks, such as cellphone equipment.
Their products are supplied to dollar stores, discount stores, and other wholesalers.
Damage nearby
The Select Distributors plant is located in a busy industrial area, and it’s not the only plant in the area.
Hackel stated that there is a possibility of damage to nearby buildings, but the extent of the damage is not yet known.
Firefighters have contained the fire as of 11 p.m., he said.
School closings?
Local 4 is closely following how the fire could possibly affect schools in the area on Tuesday.
We have not heard of any school closures as of 11:05 p.m. Monday
