Fireground audio from 3-alarm Detroit fire & explosions that burned several buildings & auto salvage yard. Hazmat scene with 1 injured firefighter & water problems.

More pictures from the fire

Bing Bird’s Eye View of complex

Extensive photo gallery of the fire

Article by Valerie Olander, The Detroit News:

Fire engulfed several commercial buildings on the city’s west side late Friday night, including an auto parts yard with dozens of cars that set off a series of small explosions.

The fire started around 9 p.m. Friday in the office of Saad Auto Parts on Schaefer Highway near Plymouth. Owner Mohamad Saad said he and his staff tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but “it was just too quick.”

Dozens of firefighters battled the blaze with two aerial ladder trucks, despite low water pressure because of the cold temperatures. Second Deputy Commissioner Fred Wheeler said crews from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department arrived on the scene to address the water pressure problem.

Hazardous materials crews also were on site because of explosions from the cars’ gas tanks. Large plumes of smoke filled the night sky as some nearby residents stopped to watch the blaze.

As of late Friday, the only injury was a firefighter who was hurt when a piece of metal fell on his leg. Homes in the area appeared to be unaffected.

Also on STATter911 …

• Charlie LeDuff finally catches up with Detroit’s Fire Commissioner. Fred Wheeler gives the reporter the silent treatment. – March 22, 2011
• Charlie LeDuff on the case of Detroit’s interim fire commissioner. When will they learn? – March 17, 2011
• Interim Detroit Fire Commissioner Fred Wheeler finally meets with reporter Charlie LeDuff. Sort of. – May 12, 2011
• UPDATED: Explosion & fire caught on video – fireground audio. Gas company worker killed, five others hurt, including Philadelphia firefighter. Three-alarms to the Tacony section last night. – January 19, 2011