CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A large fire near downtown Corpus Christi sent thick black smoke into the air Thursday afternoon.
Several emergency crews responded to the blaze on the 900 block of N. Staples St. The fire broke out just after 1 p.m.
According to fire officials this began as a car on fire before the blaze quickly spread to a nearby 2 story metal building.
16 fire units responded to try and keep the from spreading to nearby homes.
Crews were up against heavy flames and that thick black smoke.
Nearby residents were evacuated as fire fighters were attacking the fire from the ground but also spraying it from up above -- with a ladder truck.
As the fire raged on the roof of the building collapsed.
Bystander Veronica Zapata was concerned someone might be inside because according to her, the property has been known to attract the homeless.
"They're in there when it gets hot, they're in there when it gets cold, they're just always in there," said Zapata.
At this point firefighters say there aren't any reports of injuries among civilians or nearby residents.
However two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion.
CCFD even recruited the help of the 'AMBUS' which is typically brought out for a major emergency situation.
This time it was used to help rehab exhausted first responders.
"What happens when we get to a fire, you start sweating, body temp goes up," said Chief Robert Rocha with CCFD. "What we do during the incident is continue that hydration process, and is why we have a number of firefighters on a second alarm fire. We are able to rotate people in and out."
Emergency crews battle large fire near downtown Corpus Christi
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