Rags soaked in mineral oil or a solvent smoldered and then ignited a massive fire in west Charlotte, investigators said Thursday.
Chopper 9 pilot Andy Holt first spotted smoke from the fire at Coyne Textile Services on Wednesday night.
UNEDITED CHOPPER 9 VIDEO: SLIDESHOW:A man working in the building next door grabbed a fire extinguisher and tried to put the fire out himself, but it grew too quickly.
Nine firefighters went inside the warehouse to attack the flames until explosions rocked the building and the roof collapsed.
Just as rescuers went inside, the firefighters emerged from the door of the burning warehouse.
Two of them were hurt and sent to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Firefighter James Ogden was treated and released. Firefighter Maurice Taylor remains in the hospital receiving medical care.
Both Charlotte firefighters are expected to make a complete recovery.
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