Crews Battle Warehouse Fire Near Oxford

By Steve Nicoles, Reporter

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Apr 7, 2008 at 12:10 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2008 at 4:19 PM CST

IOWA COUNTY - Flames broke out shortly after noon at the Hummer Trucking warehouse in Iowa County. The building is expected to be a total loss.

About a dozen fire companies responded to the fire at the Hummer Trucking warehouse, located on Hwy 6 between Oxford and Homestead.

The fire engines rotated in and out of the scene to refill water from three different places.

"We was pulling water from Homestead. We was pulling water from Oxford and from Kent Park," said Al Tomas, Oxford Fire Chief.

Every truck was needed to fight the thick black smoke billowing out of the warehouse roof.

Coralville firefighters sprayed water from above, but it only seemed to increase the smoke. Other crews attacked from the ground.

They used an electric saw to cut entrances through the metal garage doors. Fortunately no firefighters were hurt. Neither were any of the 10 employees working.

"Certainly it didn't make anyone's day, but we'll make alternate arrangements and get everyone back to normal as soon as we can," said Chris Hummer, Hummer Vice President.

This is a tough day for any business. But Hummer is family-owned. Friends of the family pulled over onto the side of the highway to watch the fire.

Local onlookers haven't seen destruction like this since Central Plastics went up in flames years ago. They hope to not have to see again anytime soon.

While some fire crews have left and others pack up, there are still some firefighters on the roof. They could be here awhile as they continue to force the flames out from inbetween the walls.

It was about 2 hours before some crews could pack up and head home.

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