Melted Metal, Chard Cars Left After Massive Opa-Locka Blaze
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
OPA-LOCKA (CBSMiami) -- Authorities are trying to find out what caused a major blaze that could be seen for miles in Opa-Locka.
A day after the massive fire, owners of the business where the blaze began sifted through their totaled property in disbelief.
"It looks devastating, very devastating," said Willy Majia who owns a business nearby.
Crews worked to clean up the area after more than two dozen cars, trucks and trailers were burnt to a crisp Monday afternoon.
Explosions were reported behind the American Food and Produce and American Trucking company - near 12805 NW 42 Avenue before 5 p.m. Shortly after, plumes of black smoke spread and could be seen for miles.
The blaze, fueled by fire and propane from tanks, spread through an area filled with shipping containers, cars, and trucks for the business.
Some businesses nearby evacuated the area in fear the fire would reach them.
Majia owns an auto repair shop nearby on 42nd Avenue and Northwest 128th Street and heard the explosions.
"We were concerned of firewood spreading in the air. There were fragments. We thought they were going to the other warehouses," said Majia.
A business owner shared his cellphone video where you can hear the explosions and see car parts flying everywhere as people took cover.
"The heat was unbearable. We had to put all the cars inside from our customers and hope that it didn't spread out to our side and we had to leave the premises because it was really intense," said Humberto Mera of Mera Moto Sports.
Traffic in the area was diverted blocks away from the blaze as fire officials ordered evacuations for those within a 100-feet radius from the fire.
At one point, Opa-Locka Airport shutdown two runways due to the major smoke.
About an hour later, crews were able to control the fire with foam, leaving behind major damage. Luckily, no one was injured.
Fire investigators continue to look for clues into the cause of the blaze.
View coverage of Monday's blaze below.