By AP/KWMU
Warrenton, Mo. – A large fire largely gutted a a warehouse in Warrenton this morning (Thursday)
. It started at about 6:00 in the building that houses the Warrenton Oil Company, just south of I-70. Big plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles; traffic was diverted during the morning rush hour.
Firefighters also were warned items inside could explode. The cause of the fire was not known. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
One firefighter from O'Fallon suffered a back injury battling the blaze. His name and details of the injury were not immediately available.
Firefighters and hazardous materials crews from Warren, Lincoln, St. Charles and St. Louis counties were helping to put out the fire.
Warrenton Oil employs 400 people. It operates 26 FastLane convenience stores, 31 car wash bays and 12 food operations. The company also sells and distributes fuel oils and lubricants, and operates hotels in Warrenton and Fulton.