Clinton Township, Michigan – The aftermath of a devastating fire that tore through a building in the area led to revelations by the Clinton Township fire Chief Tim Duncan on the cause of the explosive sounds heard across Macomb County.
According to Chief Duncan, reports of explosions began pouring in before 9 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024, with some mistaking them for gunshots. However, it was soon discovered that the blasts originated from a building housing two interconnected companies, Goo and Select Distributors, both part of the vaping industry.
Goo, a company known for its products, and Select Distributors, primarily supplying gases to the local region for various vaping needs, had a significant amount of inventory on hand, including over 100,000 vape pens. It was revealed that the explosions were triggered by gases such as butane, nitrous, and lighter fluid present in the building.
The Fire Department’s last inspection of the premises was conducted approximately a year ago, showing a lesser amount of materials compared to the recent inventory. Chief Duncan expressed concerns regarding the lack of oversight in the industry, emphasizing the need for more robust regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite initial speculations, authorities believe that propane played a minimal role in the fire, with butane, nitrous, and lighter fluid being the primary chemicals that fueled the blaze. Investigations are ongoing to determine the legality of the materials stored in the building and to hold the responsible parties accountable for any potential negligence.
The owners of the companies estimated that around 100,000 vape pens were housed in the building, underscoring the scale of the destruction caused by the fire. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, questions surrounding safety measures, industry regulations, and oversight are at the forefront of discussions among officials and residents alike.