California concrete plant destroyed in massive fire
Propane tanks explode, sending fiery flames into air
No injuries were reported in a massive fire destroyed a concrete plant in California, sparking multiple explosions and sending plumes of flames and smoke high into the air over the borough Thursday night.
The fire at Maund Industries, located at 1200 Wood Street behind the borough fire department, started around 10 p.m.
California fire Chief Thomas Hartley said his crew arrived at 10:25 p.m.
“The police called in the fire,” Hartley said Friday. “They saw flames and smoke shooting from the building.”
Hartley noted no one was inside the building at the time.
Fifteen fire crews from Washington County responded, according to a Washington County 911 supervisor and remained at the scene until 2:30 a.m. Friday, Hartley said.
“Because of the size of the structure and the metal roof, it made it hard to put the fire out,” Hartley said. “We had multiple explosions from what we think were propane tanks and tires on all of the concrete trucks exploding. It kept us on our toes, but nobody was hurt.”
The fire is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
Maund Industries was an asphalt and concrete mixing plant, supplying concrete and asphalt to construction and paving companies.
The company could not be reached for comment Friday.