Warehouse goes up in flames in Detroit

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Detroit fire crews were called out to the scene of a fully-engulfed warehouse fire, which started early Saturday morning.

The building is located next to the Nationalwide Furniture Outlet store on Gratiot near French St. Investigators believe the two-story warehouse is part of a recycling plant, but are unsure of what is inside. Several explosions were heard when the fire first began.

Extra crews were at the scene in case the fire spread to nearby chemical tanks or businesses. The railroad that runs next to the plant was also shut down while firefighters battled the flames.

Senior Fire Chief Keith Miner said lack of access to water hydrants made it difficult to control the fire. “Because of the size of the building, and there’s nothing in the back, we have no access to streets or anything in the back,” Miner said.

“Our only access is only from the front here.” He added that low-water pressure created problems. “I’m trying to work with the water board which is on scene, trying to get us good water pressure, (but) they’re having a problem with it. Until I get good water pressure from them, I really can’t put anymore water on it than I am right now.”