Jul 13, 2008 4:46 pm US/Eastern
Cleanup Begins After Explosive Industrial Fire
Reporting
Adam May
WOODLAWN, Md. (WJZ) ―
A four-alarm fire shook up a Woodlawn industrial park after several tanks of propane exploded.
Adam May reports the first call came in just before 9:30 Friday night.
It started as an industrial fire and turned into an explosive scene in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.
"It was quite alarming to hear all the fire trucks, then see it bust into flames," said a witness.
That witness' roommate worked for Concrete Protection and Restoration, just off the Beltway near Martin's West.
The four-alarm fire required more than 100 firefighters, some from Howard County and BWI Airport, plus 25 fire trucks and support equipment.
"Kind of heart-breaking to see it. A lot of people gonna be out of jobs for awhile," said one witness.
Project manager Patrick O'Malley was on scene at daybreak.
"We employ 300 people. It's gonna be tough to keep business rolling," said O'Malley.
Very little remains of the company that does work on parking garages, high rises, even the Pentagon.
Police and fire officials taped off part of the area to start sifting through debris.
"Investigators are now on scene starting the colossal job of investigating how and why," said Lt. John Cromwell.
As the building still smoldered, employees huddled together.
"I know it's gonna be tough on everyone, but we'll pull through this thing," said a worker.
Two firefighters and one civilian were treated for minor injuries.
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