(La Porte, IN) - A fire destroying an old factory building in La Porte yesterday continues to smolder today.

 

La Porte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said there are hot spots beneath the rubble of the heavily collapsed structure still requiring water. However, Snyder said the fire is well under control and should be completely extinguished before the evening.

 

“As things flare up, they are setting up, spraying it, and trying to extinguish it. We’re in the home stretch right now,” Snyder said.

Firefighters responded to the vast brick structure on Brighton Street at about 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

 

The flames spread rapidly and lit up the sky.

 

Snyder said numerous pallets of hand sanitizer were being stored in the building by the current owner. He said the alcohol-based product fueled the flames.

 

Since the fire began, most of the structure has collapsed, but some of the walls still stand. People going by to see the damage are advised to stay at least 30 feet away from the property due to the risk of further collapse.

 

Snyder said the investigation into the cause of the fire will begin today. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office will assist in determining what started the fire.

 

Snyder also said the city would be attempting to gain rights to demolish the remainder of the structure and clear the property as soon as possible because of the risk it poses to public safety.