Crews Battle Chemical Fire in Tonawanda!
City of Tonawanda firefighters had some trouble battling a blaze on Wales Avenue Wednesday morning.
The fire started in a warehouse that houses hazardous waste. Officials believe the fire may have started in a dumpster where several different chemicals were being stored.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found heavy smoke and flames inside the building. The dangerous mixture of chemicals and fire kept crews on edge.
"As they advanced the line forward and hit the area of the dumpster there was an explosion," said City of Tonawanda Fire Chief, Charles Stewart. "It knocked a few guys down and caused some structural damage to the building itself."
Officials believe the explosion was caused by the mixture of magnesium oxide and other chemicals inside the dumpster.
Once the fire was contained, crews began inspecting the building. The damage is estimated at $200,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.