Thick black plumes of smoke can be spotted in the sky across the border from Western New York into southwestern Ontario. That’s where multiple fire crews in Port Colborne, ON are battling a large industrial fire at a vinyl products facility near the Welland Canal. Associated Press reports officials with the fire department in Port Colborne say they were called early Tuesday morning to a building that manufactures vinyl products.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bendia, the fire progressed very quickly, but was brought under control Tuesday afternoon and the amount of smoke was lessening by late morning.
The smoke could be seen across the Niagara Region. Those living near the vicinity of the smoke were being told to remain inside and keep their windows and doors closed.
Dozens of firefighters battled the blaze, drilling through the ice of a nearby canal at one point to get enough water to fight the flames. Heavy equipment had to be brought into the wreckage to stamp out the rest of the flames, in what was a labor-intensive process.
The deputy fire chief said so far there are no reports of injuries.
Associated Press contributed to this report.