Investigators: Chemicals in heating oven sparked fire that destroyed part of Detroit factory

Capt.: Detroit plant fire started in chemical oven

DETROIT — Investigators say chemicals in a heating oven sparked a fire and explosions that destroyed part of a Detroit factory complex.

Detroit Fire Capt. Steve Varnas says Diversified Chemical Technologies employees tried using dry chemical fire extinguishers when the blaze started about 2:30 p.m. Monday.

But the fire persisted and firefighters evacuated about 300 employees and some nearby businesses. The fire was under control in about four hours.

Varnas tells the Detroit Free Press the fire appears to be accidental.

Diversified Chemical Technologies produces chemicals for clients ranging from the automotive to food and beverage industries.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says there’s no indication hazardous chemicals were released into the air.