Fire Guts Large Warehouse, Damages Homes

ANDERSON, Ind. -- A warehouse in Anderson was destroyed and a few homes were damaged after a massive overnight fire at a warehouse in Anderson.

About 30 homes were evacuated after the blaze broke out at the former National Tile complex, which housed three businesses on 15 acres on the city's east side, at 26th and Lynn streets.

"I actually felt … a shake," said Brent Busby, who lives nearby. "I heard what almost sounded like a gunshot."

About 75 firefighters from seven departments responded to the fire, which was reported shortly after 11 p.m Monday.

The building housed a plastics manufacturer, woodworking business and water filtration company, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

As many as 15 propane tanks exploded in the blaze, and the explosions could be heard a mile away.

"They came inside my house and made me leave," said resident Jeff Watts.

Fire officials said two men who were working at North American Polymer were inside the building when the fire broke out, but escaped uninjured. The business had been there for 16 years.

Witnesses heard explosions and saw flames shooting up to 150 feet into the air. The fire burned so hot that siding was melted off several nearby homes.

"Any time you have a … warehouse this size, I consider it a good-sized fire," said Anderson fire Deputy Chief David Cravens.

Fire officials reported that the fire was contained by 2:30 a.m., but they were still at the scene trying to completely douse the fire.

Investigators were at the scene early Tuesday morning to try to determine what caused the blaze, but officials said it could take several days before a determination is made.

A shelter was set up at Liberty Christian High School for evacuated homeowners who didn't have anywhere else to go.

The Indiana Department of Emergency Management and hazardous materials crews were monitoring air quality in the area. They will determine when people can go back into their homes.