PHOTOS: Firefighters are investigating how a factory exploded into flames early Sunday morning in Weirsdale.
Marion County Fire Rescue responded early this morning to a reported commercial structure fire in the 16600 block of S. Highway 25 after multiple 911 callers reported a large factory building on fire.
Crews were dispatched at 4:02 a.m., and Engine 27 arrived on scene three minutes later to find a 25,000-square-foot, two-story commercial building with about 50% of the structure involved and flames showing through the roof.
Firefighters immediately began an offensive attack while additional resources were requested, escalating the incident to a third alarm. As conditions worsened, crews encountered a structural collapse, downed power lines and a violently behaving fire.
Priorities shifted to protecting nearby homes, adjacent commercial properties, and surrounding wooded areas, firefighters say.
According to MCFR, the fire grew so large that backup units were brought in from Silver Springs, Spruce Creek, Friendship, Rolling Green and The Villages.
The fire was brought under control at 5:04 a.m, an hour after the first alarm. Crews remained on scene afterward to conduct an overhaul and extinguish hot spots.
WESH-TV NBC 2 Orlando
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