2 Alarm Fire breaks out inside Piqua business

PIQUA, Ohio (WDTN) - A two-alarm fire forced 40 employees to evacuate a Piqua business Monday morning.

Firefighters were called to Miami Valley Polishing around 6 a.m. after the blaze broke out in the furnace area.

Firefighters report some of the employees tried to extinguish the blaze but the flames spread instantly. The first engine on the scene reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the 25,00 square foot warehouse at 220 Fox Drive.

As the flames spread, firefighters were forced to recall off duty firefighters as well as call for backup from units in Troy and Covington. Fire crews battled the blaze until about 11 a.m.

Neighboring businesses took in the evacuated employees and sheltered them from the chilly weather.

“Thank you to all of the fire departments and the surrounding businesses for their help with the employees. There just has been an outpouring of support,” owner Dave Schweitzer said.

A structural engineer was called in to inspect the building to determine if it is safe for fire investigators to enter the structure. No cause had been determined as of early Monday afternoon.

Miami Valley Polishing, LLC has been in business since 2008. The total amount of damage done to the building and the business has not been determined.

There were no injuries.