Ferndale Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze
(Video credit: Mark Bererra)
FERNDALE (WWJ) - Investigators are working to determine what caused a massive fire in an industrial area of Ferndale near I-75.
The blaze broke out at around 10:30 a.m. Thursday at a Van Industries on Wordsworth south of 9 Mile Road at John R.
WWJ Newsradio 950 has been taking calls into the newsroom from witnesses who say black smoke can be seen for miles away.
There were two employees in the building at the time as well as the owner, but everyone got out safely.
Officials say the family-owned business, which makes polishing compounds used in the automotive industry, has been in the area for about 50 years. WWJ's Marie Osborne reported there was some initial concern that the fumes from the fire could be toxic, but it has been determined that that's not the case.
The fire was somewhat under control before 1 p.m., with Madison Heights and Royal Oak fire crews assisting.
Ferndale Mayor David Coulter said there was still some concern that the building could collapse.
