Cabinet factory destroyed by intense, fast-spreading fire
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An east Columbus cabinet factory was destroyed Friday night after a fire broke out and flames spread quickly through the warehouse. Smoke was quickly visible across the city, with flames and the heat able to be seen and felt for blocks around the scene.
The fire broke out at the Mill Tech factory near Woodland Avenue just after 7:30 PM. It quickly escalated into a three-alarm fire, with firefighters from across the city responding.
Fortunately there were no reports of any injuries from workers when firefighters arrived at the scene. But it wasn't long before firefighters had to back away from the building for safety. "We are fighting it from outside the building," said Columbus Fire Chief Steve Martin at the time.
Flames were shooting into the sky for several hours, collapsing the roof and part of a wall. The building owner said 27 workers are impacted, as the fire destroyed the building.
Some of the school buses for Bexley Public Schools were parked in a lot next to the factory when the fire broke out. One driver said she was in the area and started smelling the strong smoke and hearing the sirens, so she grabbed keys and started moving the buses to get them as far away from the building as possible. All but one of the buses were savved.
A nearby railroad track was also shut down for safety as firefighters continued to douse the flames.
ABC6/FOX28 will continue to update this developing story.
