OAK PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Emergency responders rushed into action as a massive structure went up in flames near Coolidge Highway and Northend Avenue in Oak Park.
The flames were visible from miles away as firefighters attacked the blaze on the ground and in the air with multiple ladder trucks.
A firefighter on the scene says that 40 firefighters from four cities responded to the scene of the fire.
A firefighter told me four cities responded and about 40 firefighters were on scene. Some are still here tonight. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/7jO7yCu5NB
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) May 29, 2019
Chris Huff is the owner of Performance 80 Fitness Studio, which also caught fire.
"It's just hard to watch," Huff said.
He's devastated as he watched decades of hard work burn to the ground. He started a gym in his basement and about 20 years ago opened in Oak Park.
Former Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner was at the gym on Tuesday, moments before the fire broke out. Gardner said he and other talented athletes regularly train at Performance 80 Fitness Studio.
Here’s what we know so far... A gym is part of the structure. Witnesses say, they were about to start working out and smelled smoke. They ran. Former @UMichFootball quarterback Devin Gardner was at the gym prior to the fire. We spoke to him and the gym owner. @wxyzdetroit pic.twitter.com/9ckJek5DKd
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) May 29, 2019
"We just got finished working out me and couple quarterbacks," Gardner said.
No officials word yet on how the fire started. Witnesses say no one was injured at the gym. Huff hopes to rebuild.
Other businesses also located in the structure include Feelers and BAPI. They are supply companies in Oak Park.
HAPPENING NOW: We have crews on Coolidge and Northend in Oak Park for a large building fire. Firefighters are currently battling the blaze.
— WXYZ Detroit (@wxyzdetroit) May 29, 2019
Stay with Action News as this story develops. pic.twitter.com/KqBZ7roj3k
