Flushing explosion, fire under investigation

GENESEE CO., Mich. (WNEM) - A jarring overnight for residents in the Flushing area thanks to a fire at Rock Solid Concrete that led to a series of explosions.

Crews spent six hours battling the blaze that began just after 11 p.m.

TV5′s James Felton told us if investigators are any closer to finding out what caused the fire.

“It shook several houses in the neighborhood, including mine, when the explosion went off,” said Jim Michael, the Flushing fire chief.

That’s when Michael knew he would be in for a busy night; a fire was raging at Rock Solid Concrete on Industrial Drive in Flushing.

Michael said there were explosions at the structure. He also said the pole barn was home to a concrete business, part of it was used to store tractors, and there were propane tanks and hydraulic oil inside.

Now it’s a large pile of rubble.

“Basically, you just got to put water on it and kind of stay out of the way as much as you can,” Michael said.

TV5 got a look at the aftermath of the fire.

Meanwhile, those living in the area were startled.

Jacob, who did not want to give TV5 his last name, lives near where the fire took place. He said at first, he thought something landed on his home.

“Me and my spouse started to look around, kind of freaking out,” he said.

Jacob said he could see the smoke and flames outside his window. He wasn’t sure how close the fire was, but he knew it wasn’t far away.

“For a good half hour, we kept hearing bang! Bang!” Jacob said.

Jacob and his family did not have to evacuate their home.

Michael said no one was hurt.

In the meantime, what started this fire is a question that hasn’t been answered yet.

“As of right now, the cause is under investigation. We’re going to be looking into it and see if we can come up with what the cause was,” Michael said.

Michael believes the fire caused around $1.5 million in damages.

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