Multiple explosions during "raging inferno" at Wayland auto body shop
WAYLAND - A massive fire erupted at an auto body shop in Wayland Tuesday afternoon. Video shows flames pouring out the front windows of the building on Main Street.
"It was a raging inferno," said witness Jeff Horan. "It was roaring, I could feel the heat all the way down 500 yards away."
The strip mall was busy when the fire started just before 4 p.m. People were in every business and everybody was able to get out safely.
Mark Ceurvels was working in the shop when he started smelling smoke. He got his four coworkers out along with his dog and then got to work.
"We ran out back, accounted for everybody, grabbed hoses and fire extinguishers and started spraying away," Ceurvels said. "By then the flames started shooting through the roof."
Ceurvels called 911. The fire department is just across the street. Firefighters got there in seconds, but the fire spread quickly. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Ceurvels says he believes the heater designed to dry coats of paint on cars overheated. With flammable chemicals inside he urged the fire department not to enter the burning building.
"We had explosions, multiple explosions for the first 15 minutes or so. We did have a building collapse at approximately 45 minutes," said Fire Chief Neil McPherson.
Those explosions are believed to be cars left inside the shop. Six cars were inside, and some parked out back were damaged too.
The fire was brought under control at about 7 p.m. A devastating fire in the heart of this community.
"It's an unfortunate loss," said Jeff Horan. "This is Main Street Wayland, Cochituate Village, everybody comes to these businesses, so we are going to miss this."
Most of the fire was contained to the one business, but others nearby were impacted.
