The water in Macomb County is safe to drink following a massive fire and series of explosions Monday night, officials confirmed Tuesday morning.
Background: Teen bystander killed amid explosions, massive fire at Macomb County business
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A business and its distribution facility caught fire Monday night in Macomb County, triggering continuous explosions of combustible material lasting into Tuesday morning. The business, located near the intersection of 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township, was storing butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid and more. Officials said Select Distributors provides marijuana-related items and equipment to the local marijuana industry.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, Clinton Township Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Brower reassured residents that the water in the area remains safe to drink.
“Our drinking water is absolutely fine,” Brower said. “It comes out of pipes. It comes from a long way’s away from here. The water’s absolutely perfect.”
Michigan has significant regulations on the protection of water resources and regulations regarding liquefied petroleum gases and how they can be stored. However, the business is being accused of improperly storing gases and was reportedly not even approved to store gases.
You can read more about Michigan’s drinking water policies and laws here.
The explosions launched scrap across the area and officials are still working to figure out how large the debris field is. Residents are urged to not touch any canisters as there are concerns they could still have gases inside them that could explode.
Read more: What chief said morning after explosions, fire in Macomb County
Officials are expected to have another update for the public regarding the incident at 4 p.m.