DETROIT (WWJ) - Over 100 firefighters battled to control a blaze in brutally cold temperatures and high winds at a warehouse on Detroit's east side Friday morning.
WWJ's Charlie Langton was live at the scene off Lafayette and Canton where he said small explosions could be heard earlier as tires blew off of cars and boats stored inside the building due to the heat.
Langton said the Detroit Fire Department got a call around 6:45 a.m. and over a 100 firefighters responded to the blaze that had engulfed most of the structure.
The extreme cold did nothing to assist crews battling the flames and high winds fed the fire, which was strong enough to cause brick walls to come crashing down, Langton reported.
"The wind is always a concern because of the embers that are blowing," Detroit Fire Chief Terrance Lane told Langton. "We have fire companies that are stationed throughout the neighborhoods with charge lines trying to ensure that there are no extensions to other houses that are occupied in the neighborhood."
"So they're doing a good job of keeping those things at bay," Lane added.
Langton said it appeared as if the fire was under control with a few hot spots still going at an update last provided around 9 a.m.
"You've got to give the Detroit firefighters some credit," Langton reported. "I mean, it is freezing cold out here with all the water in the wind, but it looks like most of the flames are out."
Langton said the scene appears to be more of a "smoke situation" now. The cause of the fire remains unclear that this time, but fire officials will conduct an investigation once the flames are out.
No one was in the building at the time of the fire. officials said, and no injuries were reported.