May 24--A huge fire at a Cobb County warehouse forced dozens of evacuations and closed a portion of U.S. 41 Friday night as firefighters worked to save nearby businesses.
"This is a massive, massive fire," Marietta police Officer David Baldwin told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The fire started shortly after 8 p.m. in a warehouse containing chemicals on Industrial Park Drive, off Cobb Parkway, in Marietta, Baldwin said. The warehouse houses Amrep, which manufactures a variety of chemical products, including automotive supplies, according to the company's website.
It was not known late Friday what sparked the blaze. But three hours later, it still was not contained.
Neighboring businesses were also in danger of igniting due to their proximity and the intensity of the fire, Baldwin said. At least 25 fire trucks with crews from both the City of Marietta and Cobb County worked to contain the blaze. Nearby Lockheed Martin sent two foam trucks to the scene to assist with extinguishing the blaze late Friday.
Despite the chemicals burning, the fire departments determined the smoke was not toxic, Baldwin said.
"There is no threat of toxic chemicals being poured into the air," Baldwin said.
Dozens of people in the area were evacuated from businesses, as well as The Walker School, a private school on Cobb Parkway. Nearly two miles of U.S. 41, or Cobb Parkway, was temporarily closed between the Canton Connector and North Marietta Parkway.
Huge plumes of billowing dark smoke was visible for miles and could be seen from downtown Atlanta to Cherokee County.
No injuries were reported.
-- Please return for updates.
-- Staff writer Mike Morris contributed to this report.
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