Possible explosion, fire at metals facility in Durham under investigation

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Nearly 50 firefighters responded to a warehouse fire in Durham Monday afternoon.

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The initial call came in just after 5 p.m. and was the result of an automatic fire alarm at the Kymera International facility on Weck Drive in Durham. As units began arriving on the scene, they collected information which “indicated that a possible explosion had occurred at the facility,” according to Division Chief Josh Sloan.

That triggered a larger response to the metal and alloy production facility, where all employees safely left the building before the arrival of emergency crews.

With dozens of firefighters working together to deploy multiple hose lines, the fire was knocked down quickly, Chief Sloan told CBS 17. Primary and secondary searches of the building confirmed that no one was left inside.

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No one was injured as a result of the fire and possible explosion, and operations were “minimally disrupted,” Chief Sloan added. Fire officials are working with owners of the facility to ensure the structure is safe.

The definitive cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Durham Fire Department.

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