Fire at auto supplier Magna International in Howell could effect Big 3

Description

Firefighters are still putting out hot spots today after an intense fire broke out at an automotive parts supplier in Howell late Wednesday afternoon. An excavator has been called in to remove some of the roof that collapsed and buried fiberglass panels. Those panels are still burning and after part of the roof is removed, firefighters will be able to go back into what's left of Magna International's Howell plant and completely extinguish all hot spots. The blaze that broke out late Wednesday afternoon was a three-alarm fire at 3705 West Grand River. The company is Intier/Magna, which is part of Canadian automotive supplier Magna International Inc. Thick black smoke could be seen for miles and flames were pumping out of the building. Eight fire departments from Livingston County battled the blaze. "We had concerns over two 6-k gallon tanks of chemicals and several concerns about explosions by propane tanks. We do have air monitors south of here." The fire started near a paint booth, causing a huge concern about hazardous materials burning. Hazmat crews were on the scene with air quality monitors. No neighborhoods had to be evacuated. About 80 workers were evacuated from the building. Many left without jackets, purses and keys, thinking it was just a fire drill. The Red Cross worked with public transportation to get the workers home. Magna supplies Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and Toyota. It was interested in buying Chrysler back in 2009. The company employs about 450 <b>...</b>

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