A large warehouse facility operating as an Amazon distribution centre in Redlands, California, in the Los Angeles area, was entirely destroyed by a three-alarm fire on early Friday.
The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m., and burned to the ground entire sections of the large warehouse.
Firefighters from San Bernardino County could not stop the blaze, prompting calls for additional fire departments from other surrounding areas to step in, according to CNN.
The fire reportedly was finally brought under control by 11 a.m.
Amazon warehouse on fire in Southern California.
— David Gokhshtein (@davidgokhshtein) June 5, 2020
pic.twitter.com/SMCQe7M057
#Amazon is on Fire. pic.twitter.com/fTX7F7vgef
— Being Libertarian (@beinlibertarian) June 5, 2020
About 100 workers escaped from the burning facility before the roof collapsed. No fatalities nor injuries have been reported according to the outlet.
“We are glad everyone is safe, and thankful for the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders,” Amazon said in a statement cited by CNN. “This site was operated by a third party and we will support them throughout this process”.
The company said that the warehouse was said to be operated by Kuehne and Nagel, a third-party company that is contracted by Amazon to ship extra-large items to customers.
OMG 😰😱🔥
— Valentin Grimoux (@vaval53) June 5, 2020
Amazon warehouse is burning to the ground today. Courage 🚒👨🚒 #amazonfire #redlands #California pic.twitter.com/wQgyO6Ldx2
The reason for the fire is not yet known. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Amazon said that costumers in the region will not be affected by the accident, as orders would be fulfilled by other sections of the company.