A warehouse that operates as an Amazon distribution center went up in flames after a three-alarm fire broke out, engulfing the entire building. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen coming out of the building in Redlands, California, as firefighters battled back the flames. The blaze was reported at the warehouse in the 2200 block …
A warehouse that operates as an Amazon distribution center went up in flames after a three-alarm fire broke out, engulfing the entire building. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen coming out of the building in Redlands, California, as firefighters battled back the flames.
The blaze was reported at the warehouse in the 2200 block of West Lugonia Avenue about 5:30 a.m. About 100 employees were inside but evacuated before firefighters arrived, said Carl Baker, a spokesman for the city and its fire department. Fire officials have not reported any injuries.
Video from the scene showed massive flames engulfing the building and plumes of black smoke billowing into the air. One wall of the warehouse collapsed inward, Baker said.
Firefighters poured streams of water on flames that appeared to engulf almost all of the sprawling structure and began to burn truck trailers, some with Amazon logos, parked at loading docks.
Initial reports indicated the distribution center was an Amazon facility, but Baker said it was occupied by a company that contracts with the online retail giant.
About 100 employees self evacuated and were able to get to safety, and no injuries have been reported, Baker said. No nearby Amazon sites have been impacted by the fire.
“We are glad everyone is safe, and thankful for the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders,” Amazon said in a statement to CNN. “This site was operated by a third party and we will support them throughout this process.”Redlands Fire Chief Jim Topoleski told CNN affiliate KTLA that they will launch an investigation into the cause of the fire. The building is new and had the latest fire protections, Topoleski said.The building is operated by Kuehne and Nagel, which is a third-party operator that assists Amazon in shipping extra-large items to customers, Amazon said.Amazon expects minimal customer impact, as customer orders can be fulfilled from other locations, the company said.
Officials remained concerned about the building’s structural integrity, and firefighters were keeping a safe distance in case any more walls collapsed.
“I would estimate it’s going to be a total loss,” Baker said of the building.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire.
“We are glad everyone is safe, and thankful for the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders,” Lisa Levandowski, a spokeswoman for Amazon, said in a statement. “This site was operated by a third party and we will support them throughout this process.”
No nearby Amazon sites were affected by the fire, and the company expects the blaze to have minimal impact on customers. Orders will be fulfilled from other locations, the company said.
The blaze prompted officials to close the 10 Freeway in both directions for more than an hour. The freeway reopened shortly after 7 a.m.
