Hundreds of explosions were heard for more than an hour in a Detroit suburb Monday night as emergency crews worked to put out a massive fire.
The explosions and fire happened Monday night at a business building that housed Select Distributors in Clinton Township, Michigan, a suburb located about 22 miles northeast of Detroit.
The Clinton Township police said area residents and businesses were evacuated.
The fire was reported to be under control by 11 p.m. Monday, but the cleanup for the explosions and fire has continued through Tuesday morning.
Here’s what to know about the fire.
Where were the Clinton Township explosions?
The fire and explosions began in a building that housed Select Distributors, police said, a supplier that reportedly houses nitrous oxide tanks, as well as novelty items and general merchandise.
The scene and the investigation is currently ongoing, under the jurisdiction of the Clinton Township Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Clinton Township Police are assisting.
Residents up to 10 miles away in Macomb Township, Michigan reported reported hearing loud bangs that persisted for more than an hour. Smoke and flames could be seen for miles.
Were there any injuries?
A firefighter had a minor injury during the response, and a bystander also suffered an injury and was transported to a local hospital, Clinton Township police said.
Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said the firefighter was injured when an object went through the windshield of the fire truck.
Both a police and a fire vehicle were also hit and damaged by exploding projectile cannisters.
Social media captures fire, expulsions
Did the fire affect the air quality in Clinton Township?
Cannon said at about 11:15 p.m. Monday that the fire was under control − “that’s the good part. (But) I’m concerned about the smoke and the particles going on in the air.”
About 30 minutes later, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said preliminary findings from air quality tests determined there was smoke, but nothing hazardous.
Testing was mostly west of Groesbeck, as the wind was pushing smoke westerly and semi-northerly, he said.
Hackel said people with smoke allergies or issues with breathing may want to find shelter or a different location to stay if they are bothered by smoke while inside their homes in the immediate area.
He said the county’s emergency management assisted with air quality testing and remained on the scene. He said dust or particles on the ground will be tested if need be.
