The cause of a two-alarm fire at an Airgas distribution center in Wichita, Kansas, on Monday is still unkown as of Thursday, according to KWCH and KSN News.
Both news outlets reported that all employees were quickly evacuated without harm, but the fire did cause significant damage to the facility. KSN reported that fire crews were forced to evacuate because of hazardous materials and explosions inside, though no firefighters were hurt.
KSN reported investigators say the fire started in the southeast part of the building, where roof work was being done. They don't know if the roof work is related to the fire. They say there are no indications the fire was suspicious.
The Airgas facility primarily stocks industrial gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium, and hydrogen in cylinders, and also fills liquid nitrogen in small cryogenic containers. The facility also stocks a variety of hardgoods, such as welding related products and safety equipment.
Despite the damage, Airgas resumed normal hours of operations on Tuesday. It directed customers to its seperate retail store on the city's West side.
Airgas is No. 8 on Industrial Distribution's 2014 Big 50 List.
