A fire early Wednesday morning did severe damage to a Wales Avenue business.
At around 1:30 a.m. a City of Tonawanda police officer noticed smoke and flames coming from The Environmental Service Group’s building during a nightly check of the area, said Fire Chief Charles Stuart.
“When we got inside there was a lot of heat, a lot of fire,” Stuart said.
The warehouse where the fire started stores various types of hazardous waste, and firefighters had to force their way into the structure. As crews began spraying water into a Dumpster they believe to have been the source of the blaze, it exploded.
“It knocked some guys down and sprayed molten metal through the general area,” Stuart said.
The chief suspects a mixture of magnesium oxide and other chemicals inside the Dumpster caused the reaction, but no one was injured in the explosion. Once the fire was put out, the Department of Public Works pulled the Dumpster out of the building because the metals were continuing to react with the water inside.
A HazMat team from the Town of Tonawanda also responded due to the nature of the facility, and firefighters informed the Department of Environmental Conservation as a precaution in case there was any hazardous runoff.
Stuart said the main body of the fire was contained quickly, but since it had spread to the roof the operation took several hours to properly contain and extinguish it. He said $200,000 is an early estimate of the damage, adding that it could grow after further inspection. The cause of the blaze is still undetermined.
“It’s under investigation at this time, but it will be expensive,” Stuart said.
Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.
Local News
CITY OF TONAWANDA: Chemical fire guts building
- Local News
-
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Assessor chosen; meeting scheduled over Amigone crematory.
-
New York ties safety record
Four fatalities, 26 injured.
-
Senate passes bus legislation
Bills intended to make riding bus safer for students, enhance communication.
-
Lasting legacy
Parks and Recreation chief Foels, longest-tenured city employee, even busier in retirement.
-
NT coach fired for relationship
Superintendent says criminal charges will not be filed.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
Lawyers and board members will meet with state attorney general’s representative later today.
-
A red carpet affair
On Feb. 12, the red carpet will be rolled out, the champagne will flow, the flashbulbs will be popping and, yes, the paparazzi will be swarming.
-
Two arrested after traffic stop
Two women were arrested following a traffic stop and subsequent dispute with City of Tonawanda police early Saturday.
-
DWI suspect hit signs on way to KFC
A Niagara Falls man was arrested for DWI and other traffic charges Friday night after striking two traffic signs on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway on his way to pick up some fried chicken.
-
School Wide Web
Starpoint eighth graders lead Friday special event.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
