DADE CITY, Fla. — Fire crews worked through the night to fight a huge fire at a warehouse in Pasco County that started burning Friday afternoon.

  • Fire happened on Citrus County Drive
  • No injuries have been reported
  • Cause of blaze is under investigation

The fire started at about 12:30 p.m. Friday in the 15200 block of Citrus County Drive in Dade City.

Pasco County Fire Rescue said the fire finally was called under control around 6:45 a.m. Saturday, and crews are in the cleanup phase.

Pasco County officials say the fire started outside the building, but quickly spread inside, causing the roof to collapse and the walls to crumble.

 

Dousing the fire with water created other issues. The building used for manufacturing, and over 2,000 pounds of magnesium was stored there. The water mixed with magnesium and caused loud explosions that shook the ground and rattled onlookers. 

"Just to feel the ground shake and the explosion like this goes to show you how intense it is out there," said Carroll Wynn, a witness. "You never appreciate the job these guys do until you see it first-hand."

No injuries were reported.

In addition to Pasco Fire, units from Zephyrhills, Plant City and Hernando County also responded. Thirty different units were on scene.

There was massive damage to the facility, and some businesses are expected to be a total loss.

There are some concerns about air quality because of all the smoke. Officials are monitoring the air for toxins, and a railroad line that runs behind the business center has been closed because of the fire and smoke.