By AP/Matt Sepic, KWMU
Granite City, Ill. – Officials in Granite City say it might be another day before a warehouse fire that engulfed two blocks is completely out. An investigation is underway; the fire sent thick, black smoke into the air that was visible for miles for most of Monday morning. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries.
Authorities say the injuries to the firefighters' and a warehouse employee were not considered life-threatening.
Granite City Fire Captain Matt Gasparovic says the National Enameling and Stamping Company erupted into flames before sunrise Monday morning, but he said damage was largely contained to the building's two-block footprint and the intensity had diminished.
The building was constructed 100 years ago and first housed a company that made the graniteware products that gave the city its name.
Granite City Fire Captain Tom Hollis says the department has always known the building, with large portions built of wood, was a fire hazard.
This was the most dangerous situation you could have," he said. "We kind of prepared for it, but in actuality it's always bigger than you plan for, of course."