Downtown Omaha fire at Nox-Crete building sends huge smoke plume into the air as firefighters swarm scene in Nebraska

A FIRE has triggered explosions in downtown Omaha, where first responders are battling a massive three-alarm blaze at a chemical production company. A thick plume of smoke could be seen with flames engulfing parts of the facility as firefighters warned people nearby to shelter in place because of the fumes. The shelter in place order […]

A FIRE has triggered explosions in downtown Omaha, where first responders are battling a massive three-alarm blaze at a chemical production company.

A thick plume of smoke could be seen with flames engulfing parts of the facility as firefighters warned people nearby to shelter in place because of the fumes.

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There are reports of walls collapsing and explosions[/caption]

Omaha Fire Department

Burning fuel was reportedly flowing toward fire trucks[/caption]

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Thick black smoke rose into the sky above the building[/caption]

The shelter in place order is a result of chemicals burning in the blaze.

First responders were called to the Nox Crete building at around 7pm local time. The company makes chemical sealers for concrete, local media reports.

The Omaha Fire Department has confirmed they are on the scene and are asking people to steer clear of the area as more units arrive.

An evacuation is also underway for nearby buildings and neighborhoods, including from 13th Street to 20th Street and from Leavenworth Street to Martha Street.

Burning fuel was reportedly pouring out of the building toward fire trucks causing them to withdraw. There are also reports of propane tanks exploding and walls collapsing as firefighters try to maintain the blaze.

“Please keep our first responders and firefighters in your thoughts as they battle this 3-alarm fire downtown,” Douglas County officials wrote.

The Foam Taskforce has also been requested to help fight the blaze.

A large traffic jam is also surrounding the area, making it even harder for more officials to move in.

A cause of the blaze remains unknown.

There are also reports that oil and fuel may be running into the sewer system.

Thick black clouds of smoke can be seen for miles as crews continue to battle the blaze.

Crowds of people have also started to gather, though officials are urging people to stay inside – or evacuate if in the designated zone.

Residents nearby have reported hearing repeated explosions coming from the site of the fire.

News of the fire comes as parts of Nebraska brace for severe thunderstorms into the evening.