Omaha police continue to evacuate neighborhoods in the area of a three-alarm fire near 20th Street and Woolworth Avenue.
Those residing in neighborhoods between 13th to 20th and Leavenworth to Martha Streets have been asked to evacuate as smoke has created a hazard in the area. Residents outside those areas but near downtown are asked to stay inside their homes. The Columbus Community Center at 1523 S. 24th St. has been opened as a shelter for evacuees.
According to OPPD, more than 2,300 people without power Monday night between Leavenworth to Grover and Ninth to 26th Streets.
Area fire crews responded to an automatic fire alarm at Nox-Crete, Inc., 1415 S. 20th St., shortly before 7 p.m. A working fire was quickly declared. Initial reports also indicated the building was evacuated when the fire broke out.
Thick black smoke and heavy flames could be seen for miles from downtown Omaha. After the blaze began, hundreds of people gathered on area rooftops, porches and sidewalks to watch and record the fire. Around 8:15 a.m. several loud explosions could be heard and debris was thrown from the building. Police then blocked off access to the public.
Nox-Crete produces chemical products for concrete. It also manufactures liquid floor hardeners, water repellents and other chemical products, according to the website.
"Since the front of the building — part of it — collapsed, we had multiple propane bottles that exploded inside of the building," said a firefighter on the scene.
As of 10:45 p.m., additional units were still being called to assist at the scene. It is likely that firefighters will continue to fight the blaze throughout the night.
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