CHARLOTTE — The improper thawing of a chemical resulting in a violent chemical reaction caused a two-alarm fire Tuesday morning at a northwest Charlotte warehouse, officials with the Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force said.
The Charlotte Fire Department received several calls around 7:20 a.m. about “some sort of explosion heard” near Toddville Road, Battalion Chief John Lipcsak told Channel 9.
Shortly after, CFD arrived at the scene of the fire at a nearby chemical exchange facility on Tar Heel Road.
The fire was breaking through the roof.
“It was a tanker inside the facility that was on fire,” Lipcsak said. “At this time, we know that some type of chemical exchange took place and some type of explosion took place. The cause is under investigation.”
The blaze that broke out at about 7:30 a.m. was under control by 8:02 a.m.
“Charlotte Fire conducted thorough air and water quality monitoring out of an abundance of caution,” officials said.
Results were negative and there was no danger to the public from smoke or runoff, CFD said.
The fire department did not issue an evacuation order, however, Allenbrook Elementary School was briefly evacuated.
There were no reported injuries.
“Our firefighters’ quick response and coordination ensured the fire was contained rapidly, and extensive monitoring confirmed there were no public health risks,” said Fire Chief Reginald Johnson in a post on X. “We are proud of the diligence and professionalism our team demonstrated in protecting the community.”
The estimated property and content loss was $425,000, Charlotte Fire said.
Crews will remain on the scene to ensure everything is safe.
Mecklenburg County Environmental Protection Agency is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Check wsoctv.com for updates.
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