CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities are promising to hold someone accountable in the Macomb County business fire that caused rounds of explosions, destroyed the building and killed a teenager.
Authorities released new details regarding the incident Friday, March 8.
“We will find out through our investigation what happened, who did it, who’s responsible and somebody will be held accountable,” said Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon.
Goo and Select Distributors 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.
The building is a former Save-A-Lot retail and warehouse store.
The explosions were believed to be caused by canisters of butane, nitrous oxide, and lighter fluid stored in the building. Investigators initially believed a fire started and heated the containers and the gases, causing a series of explosions to occur Monday night and into Tuesday morning.
Officials confirmed the business was not permitted to have the canisters and that they were illegally stored. The canisters are 12-18 inches in size and can weigh 10-15 pounds each.
Background: Illegally storing gases? Macomb County business where fire triggered explosions slammed by officials
The explosions launched scrap two miles from the building. A teenager standing roughly 1,500 feet from the building was killed after being struck by debris.
A firefighter injured during the incident has since been released from the hospital.
Read: Debris from Macomb County building explosion includes jagged metal containers, Batarangs
The investigation into the building has been delayed until next week because the remains of the building are too dangerous to sift through due to the structural steel sitting on top of the debris and unexploded canisters. Authorities said it needs time to cool before they can get deeper into the rubble. Fire departments have reportedly poured more than two million gallons of water on the structure, but hot spots still remain.
The EPA is now part of the investigation and is looking into what caused the fire, the improper storage issues, and what can be done to compensate businesses and homeowners in the area. Cannon said the EPA was expected to have about 20 people working to remove debris from neighborhoods and other areas in the days ahead.
“They have started doing walkarounds to find out what they need to do in neighborhoods because they’re gonna start in the neighborhoods,” Cannon said.
Officials are insisting the air and water are safe.
Related: Clinton Township water safe to drink following massive fire, explosions
Officials at all levels have repeatedly expressed concerns about people picking up the canisters and bringing them home.
“Don’t go out looking for those canisters, nothing good can come from it,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Brouwer. “They aren’t worth anything and they’re harmful if compromised.”
Read: Metro Detroiters urged not to pick up debris from explosive vaping supplies fire that killed 1
Authorities said unexploded canisters could be weakened from the fire and pressure and temperature changes could cause them to burst and potentially go airborne.
Anyone who finds any projectiles or debris is urged to contact Macomb County’s Communication and Technology Center at 586-469-5502.
Businesses and homeowners can report damages to authorities online here.