FIRE DESTROYS GENERAL INDUSTRIES
Elyria – What can only be described as an inferno – a massive fire ripped through the General Industries building on Taylor Street early Thursday morning. Elyria Firefighters responded to the area at 1:40am after receiving multiple calls of a structure fire at the rear of General Industries. When Firefighters arrived they found a rear building fully involved.
Chief Joseph Pronesti of the Elyria Fire Department said the fire started in the loading dock area on the east side of the building. “This structure, it’s old construction – it’s called Old Mill Construction. It has oil soaked floors – rapid fire spread. With this type of construction and the wind it was just not safe to have any Firefighters going inside the building.”
Chief Pronesti said that with the size of the building, basically being four blocks long and three stories high, they had concerns early about water supply. "We basically tapped out the water lines so we called for the County Water Shuttle” Fire Departments for all over Lorain County were on scene assisting in the battle. When asked what Departments were assisting Chief Pronesti said; “I have every Fire Department in the County, we even went outside of the county and we have North Olmsted covering our station along with Sheffield Lake and Avon Lake.”
Elyria Police also received assistance from surrounding communities as Officers went door to door telling people they needed to evacuate their homes. Pronesti said that as long as there were dangers of collapses the homes would remain evacuated. “When there is a collapse you will see all the embers fly out of the building and through the neighborhood threatening surrounding homes and businesses.”
At this hour the fire is under control and Firefighters remain on scene.
TMCNEWS.NET was on scene moments after Firefighters arrived. To see all photos from throughout the night check back later tonight.
UPDATE: As of 8AM Elyria Officials still recommended that people stay away from their homes but they no longer are demanding that they stay away. They are advising people if they do return to their homes to keep their doors and windows closed and keep an eye on their homes for flying embers.
PHOTO GALLERY UPDATE: With hundreds of photos taken we ask for your patience while we edit and organize the photo gallery from the Elyria General Industries massive blaze. Here is a link to a couple photos while you wait: CLICK HERE
posted by TMC NEWS at 7:47 AM
13 Comments:
As always, thank you TMC for your news updates (I was waiting for this one!) I'm sure you'll have the best photos. Also, thank you to the other fire departments for your help. I still have to wonder what is going to happen now with the closing of the Broad St fire department. I'm sure the mayor will have some explaining to do. One thing positive about this fire...it gives everyone a chance to realize that EFD is not just a bunch of "police or EMS chasers, as I've heard them called in the past"!!! I'd like to ask those people how they expect EPD or EMS to put out the fire? GREAT JOB EFD!!!
Outstanding job EFD! And all other departments that where involved. Glad no one got hurt. Wish I was there. Haas
I live on cleveland st, the fire was pretty much in my backyard,nobody came and told me to evacuate as I watched the embers fall all over my yard,cars, and neighbors garage. Sure did get some awesome video and pics from my attic window though
saw vermlion tanker heading to scene around 930 did it start up again ?
Good Job and Thank You to all the Fire Departments that were involved! I live awfully close to that building(or what is left) and I am very pleased with the way it all went down. As much as I would love to see the EFD station on Broad open again I dont feel that them being there could have reduced the damage or saved that building. Regardless, Thanks Guys! (ps: that early in the morning someone needs to tell Liverpool tankers that it is not needed to run code down the sidestreet that goes to taylor. There is NO traffic on that road and 1 Stop sign. Talk about NO SLEEP :O) )
Did anyone else notice the story on TMCNEWS about General Industies having a fire on June 26 of this year? There has to be a lawsuit against the company or some of the workers somewhere in there.
Thank You to all the Firemen and Police Officers, Rescue, The Red Cross, and many others unmentioned for being there and on the scene for as long as need be.
Safety Forces we could never do without you..and there are never enough of you..!!
THANK YOU..
RECALL GRACE 08 COMMITTEE..
To anonymous re: the tankers running code 3(lights and siren). It is a law that if you run with emergency lights you must have the siren going. And yes it does suck when you are trying to sleep but all the needs to happen, and it has, is it have someone hit you when they didn't hear you. Haas
Dont forget the thanks of all the Amateur radio Operators (Hams) that helped out
I would be pleased if there was a list to see the department that responded and the type of truck. Amherst's tanker 52 didn't leave the fire until nearly 6:30 PM
Great job to all who fought this fire and WON!! Fire and police personnel!
Great job Joe Pronesti!! The St. Jude community is so proud of you! Nice work :)
24 fire departments from 6 counties (including Lorain County) either filled in at fire departments around the county or responded to the fire. 12 law enforcement agencies, including OSP and the Sheriff's Department assisted with traffic control and security at the evacuation shelter. Tom Kelley
j lynn someone would have to come TELL you to leave??
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