CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities gave an update Tuesday afternoon on the massive blaze and explosions that overtook a Macomb County distribution facility Monday night.
A business and its distribution facility caught fire Monday night in Macomb County, triggering continuous explosions of combustible material lasting into Tuesday morning. The business, located near the intersection of 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township, was storing butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid and more. Officials said Select Distributors provides marijuana-related items and equipment to the local marijuana industry.
The explosions were believed to be caused by several canisters of butane, nitrous oxide, and lighter fluid stored in the building. Investigators initially believed a fire started and heated up the containers and the gases, causing a series of explosions to occur Monday night and even into Tuesday morning.
Officials confirmed the business was not permitted to have the canisters and that they were illegally stored.
The business was closed to the public at the time and had people filling online orders at the time of the fire. Everyone in the building was able to get out safely.
Authorities are still investigating what caused the explosions and fire at the business. Business owners have been cooperating with the ATF, Michigan State Police and other agencies involved in the investigation.
Background: Illegally storing gases? Macomb County business where fire triggered explosions slammed by officials
A fence is being installed around the site to secure it. Police will be guarding the area and people are urged to stay away.
The last inspection from authorities was in May 2022 and no notable issues were present at the time. Authorities said the business saw a single complaint since the inspection regarding the storage of duck boats outside the building. Business owners promptly rectified things after receiving a warning.
The explosions launched scrap across the area and officials are still working to figure out how large the debris field is. A teenager standing roughly 1,500 feet from the building was killed after being struck by debris.
Residents are urged not to touch any canisters as there are concerns they could still have gases inside them that could explode. Authorities said 25 unexploded canisters have been recovered and turned over to Michigan State Police Bomb Squad.
During a 4 p.m. press conference, authorities said debris had been recovered from about two miles from the building. The immediate quarter mile around the site is still heavily covered with debris.
Read: Debris from Macomb County building explosion includes jagged metal containers, Batarangs
Nearby train tracks reopened at about 1:30 p.m.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, Clinton Township Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Brower reassured residents that the water in the area remains safe to drink.
“Our drinking water is absolutely fine,” Brower said. “It comes out of pipes. It comes from a long way’s away from here. The water’s absolutely perfect.”
Read: Clinton Township water safe to drink following massive fire, explosions
ATF and state authorities are expected to initiate an investigation plan Wednesday morning. The investigation could take several days, potentially more than a week.
