UPDATED: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 --- 5:30 p.m.
REPORTER: Chris Woodard

One year ago tonight a fire ripped through Columbus Chemical, destroying the building and forcing dozens of area homeowners to evacuate.

They called in the best of the best for help and tonight the proof is in the results.

As helicopters circled no one could do anything.

Neighboring homeowners were evacuated and employees watched as a chemical fueled fire engulfed Columbus Chemical's building.

The images are burned into the memories of those who saw it.

Executive VP Steve Quandt says, "When you watch that thing burn and you see what we saw you'd never dream we could do this so quickly, but we did it."

One year after the fire the company is marking that devastating day by showing off, showing off just how far they've come in the last year.

They're giving tours and shedding some light on what the cleanup and rebuilding process was like.

It's a process that believe it or not shares some similarities to what's going on right now in the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the men in charge of cleaning up chemicals following the fire in Columbus is now heading a team working on the oil spill cleanup.

Quandt says, "We knew it at the time. We knew we had the right people here and that was part of the motivation to get back in business as soon as we did."

Where that burning building once stood is now only a parking lot. They started fresh with a brand new building on the other side of their office.

Their open house is drawing plenty of interested neighbors.

Columbus resident Reuben Franz says, "I was curious to see what was behind these walls."

Neighbor John Roche says, "I drive by almost daily to watch the progress they've made."

They've risen from the ashes with amazing speed and come out bigger and better, an outcome that was hard to imagine exactly one year ago.

There has never been a determination of exactly what started the blaze but the good news for Columbus Chemical keeps coming. A few days ago the Wisconsin DNR gave them conditional closure on their fire case, basically giving them the all clear on any environmental issues.

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UPDATED: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 --- 8:15 p.m.
REPORTER: Chris Woodard

Back from the ashes, employees are once again working out of the Columbus Chemical building.

3 weeks after a massive fire that evacuated more than 100 neighbors we have an exclusive look inside the plant and inside the hunt for answers.

Three weeks ago a chemical fueled blaze engulfed a warehouse and evacuated a neighborhood. The future of Columbus Chemical seemed far darker than the bright flames that had taken over.

Today there is the sweet sound of progress. The recovery has been so amazing, some would call it lucky.

Executive Vice President Steve Quandt says, "Luck is where preparation meets opportunity."

This week employees were back in an undamaged office building just 21 days after the fire.

Quandt says, "It feels great for me but it's even better for the people that are here because you have never seen more smiles in your life than we saw Monday morning."

Employee David VanNocker says, "It's totally amazing. It's a blessing actually."

Walking through the plant it's easy to see how far they've come and it's hard to believe the place isn't totally gone.

Quandt says they've determined the exact spot in the warehouse where the fire started, in the northeast corner, but they still don't know why it started.

The blaze was contained to a warehouse less than 10 feet away from the undamaged offices and production building.

VanNocker says, "If you would have been down here and you would have seen it that night you would have thought it's gone, C.C.I. as we know it."

It turns out a fire door and the safety walls did their job, protecting a business and livelihoods of dozens of employees.

VanNocker says, "I would never have thought, you know, I mean I was hoping."

Signs of cleanup are still all around but despite a break room in a trailer and bathrooms on wheels it's back to business as usual. Safe, happy and thankful.

Quandt says hired contractors are continuing air, soil and water monitoring and have found no major problems for employees or neighbors since the blaze.

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UPDATED Friday, May 22, 2009 --- 11:00 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The investigation into a chemical fire in Columbus is winding down.

The fire broke out at Columbus Chemical Industries on May 11. A series of explosions forced firefighters to retreat and evacuate about 140 homes.

Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says Friday investigators have interviewed about 60 people, including company workers, the first firefighters to arrive and people who drove by. He says investigators have spoken to everyone they wanted but no cause has emerged.

Investigators said last week they found no evidence of foul play.

State Department of Natural Resources spokesman Greg Matthews says the agency got the results of area groundwater tests Thursday. They showed no harmful levels of contaminants in private wells.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 20, 2009 --- 4:00 p.m.

Press Release from Dodge County Sheriff's Department:

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department was able to utilize their new citizen notification system, Code Red, for the second time since it was placed into service in March of this year.

The first notification was for a missing child in the City of Mayville and the Department received numerous calls from citizens with their concerns for this new system. The second notification was for the chemical fire in the City of Columbus. Approximately 7862 phone calls were placed notify citizens of the potential hazard of the fire. The calls were generated to homes that were in a 10 mile radius from the location of the fire.

Since the initial implementation of the Code Red system there have been 547 new subscribers to the system and only 5 citizens requesting to “opt out” of being notified of potential hazardous situations or missing juveniles.

“The Code Red notification system has been very successful and is another tool that the Sheriff’s Department can utilize to better serve and protect the citizens of Dodge County” states Sheriff Todd Nehls.

Director Ninmann encourages citizens that were not notified to go onto the Sheriff’s website, www.dodgecountysheriff.com, and register they landline phone number as well as their cell phone numbers. The citizens can also choose to enter their email address to have the notification sent via email as well as the phone notification.

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UPDATED Friday, May 15, 2009 --- 2:45 p.m.

From NBC15's Chris Woodard

At today's press conference the following points were made:

- Columbus Chemical is supplying bottled water to immediate neighbors as DNR oversees testing of the wells. This is just a precautionary move.

- Columbus Chemical is also building retention ponds to catch any runoff from the recent rains. This water is also undergoing testing.

- The on-site investigation by the Dodge County Sheriff's Department is over. They have turned over the property back to Columbus Chemical.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- Investigators say they've found no evidence of foul play in a chemical fire that forced Columbus residents to flee.

Dodge County and state investigators have completed their on-scene examination at Columbus Chemical Industries. Sheriff Todd Nehls says they found no evidence of suspicious activity. The probe continues.

Fire broke out in a warehouse at the company Monday night. A series of explosions crumpled the building and forced firefighters to back off and let the blaze burn out.

Company executive vice president Steve Quandt says the warehouse held sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, among other chemicals.

So far, air testing hasn't showed harmful chemical levels in the air. The state Department of Natural Resources is waiting for groundwater test results.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Thursday, May 14, 2009 --- 11:20 a.m.

Press Release:

The fire and smoke originating from the site of the fire at Columbus Chemical Industries has subsided. Last evenings rain assisted with extinguishing the remaining hot spots.

At 8am, the Dodge County Office of Emergency Management and the Dodge County Sheriffs Department has turned the scene over to executives from Columbus Chemical and their Private contractors, to continue in their clean up efforts.

Community air monitoring done by the Environmental Protection Agency, continues to show all levels of particulates below action levels, and after a final round of testing this morning, they will discontinue community monitoring. CCI’s contracted air monitoring company, BT2, will remain on-site to conduct monitoring in the clean up zone for the duration of the clean up efforts, and will update the EPA with any changes.

Business and residences that were advised to voluntarily evacuate yesterday, due to up wind smoke concerns, have returned to their respective buildings and plan to return to normal business, soon. Weston, representing the EPA, is assisting the local businesses with monitoring and any needed decontamination.

Columbus Chemical plans to hold a press conference on Friday, additional information will be passed on to media outlets later this afternoon.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 7:40 p.m.

To clarify an earlier press release, Dodge County Emergency Management and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) made door-to-door contact with the 3 businesses and 6 residences in the immediate area of the facility. The people and businesses who evacuated, did so voluntarily. At this time, additional evacuations are not anticipated.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident; however they have concluded the on-site portion of the investigation.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 5:55 p.m.

Press Release:

The fire at Columbus Chemical Industries continues to smolder. The change in weather conditions prompted Dodge County Emergency Management, Dodge County Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) to recommend that the residences and businesses immediately downwind of the facility evacuate as a precaution until the smoke is no longer being released.

U.S. EPA continues to conduct air monitoring in the area. Throughout the incident, air monitoring has demonstrated that all chemicals of concern are below the applicable health standards. Columbus Chemical’s environmental consultant will be assuming the air monitoring, with EPA oversight.

A limited amount of runoff was released from the initial fire fighting efforts. U.S. EPA collected samples of the runoff water at the facility. Standing water in the drainage ditch along Highway 73 was also field tested. The runoff is acidic. Public access to the area is being restricted. Columbus Chemical treated the water with lime and placed berms along the drainage ditch, Tempkin Drive, and Highway 73.

Columbus Chemical will be testing their on-site groundwater monitoring wells once the fire is contained such that the wells can be safely accessed. Based on these results, WDNR will determine what additional sampling is needed.

Based on the air monitoring to date, health officials do not expect adverse health effects as a result of this chemical fire. Symptoms of chemical exposure could include eye, nose and throat irritation or excessive coughing. If you have been exposed to smoke from the fire and experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

The following departments remain active for the incident:
Dodge County Emergency Management
Dodge County Sheriff’s Office
Dodge County Class B HazMat Team
State Fire Marshall
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
U.S. EPA
OSHA
Executives from Columbus Chemical

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UPDATED: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 4 p.m.

Neighbors of Columbus Chemical are once again evacuating tonight.
Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says they are planning ahead but there is no danger right now. He says there are 6 homes and 3 businesses very close to the plant that are under voluntary evacuation orders. The sheriff says the fire is still smoldering and the concern is that the wind will pick up and change direction. They have gone door to door and told neighbors they are in no danger right now but things could change.

Dodge County Emergency Management Deputy Director Amy Nehls says all three businesses have left and are closed to the public. Some residents have left and others are choosing to stay.

Air monitoring is continuing and so far all readings assure that the air is safe.

Stay tuned to NBC 15 and nbc15.com for the latest.

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UPDATED: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 5 p.m.

The weather has some in Columbus evacuating their homes for the second time in 2 days.

A fire at Columbus Chemical continues to smolder and concerns about the wind have emergency management urging neighbors to leave.

An investigation into the cause of this fire was supposed to be priority number one today but the weather is changing that in hurry. A voluntary evacuation order is quickly turning this fire into a real headache for the veterinary hospital next door.

At Columbus Countryside Vet Clinic, Wednesday morning it's finally back to business as usual. Cats are taking priority over chemicals.

Doctor Carla Twardowski says, "The animals have done supremely well dealing with the evacuation."

The clinic was one of 65 homes and businesses evacuated Monday night because of a fire at neighboring Columbus Chemical. Animals were taken to the doctors houses.

Wednesday morning they were all back but with the fire still smoldering it didn't last long.

Twardowski says, "We've gone from nice cooler dry conditions to damp conditions with potential storms coming."

Around 2 o'clock the threat of storms and shifting winds were too much. People with emergency management went door to door urging evacuations once again for 6 homes and 3 businesses neighboring the plant.

Doctors are forced to move sick animals for the second time in two days but emergency responders say it is only a precaution.

Sheriff Todd Nehls says, "Right now we have no testing that tells us that there is any threat or negative health impact to human beings or animals at this point."

With neighbors warned the efforts to protect them continue. Investigators are also on the scene for the first time. They are still concerned about exposure to chemicals and the search figure out what started this fire may take awhile.

State Fire Marshall Tina Virgil says, "It's going to be challenging. It will be a challenge for us. "

Nehls says, "We have nothing, nothing, not one shred of information that would lead us to believe that this is suspicious."

Air monitoring will continue constantly throughout the night and so far all of those readings show the air is not dangerous.

The investigation will be a slow one since no one was hurt or seriously injured the sheriff said there is not a lot of urgency and they will make absolutely sure it's safe before investigators go in.

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Click HERE to submit your photos and video of the fire and explosion

UPDATED Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 11:15 a.m.

Press release from Dodge County Emergency Management:

The Dodge County Emergency Management continues to work on the scene of the Columbus Chemical Industries fire.

Today’s operations include air monitoring at the scene and around the community, continued investigation of the fire and its cause, and monitoring the smoldering fire. Authorities are scheduled today to make their initial entry to the structure to begin their investigation. The weather is also being monitored closely, and if conditions change, plans will be adjusted accordingly.

The following agencies are assisting with the situation: Dodge County Emergency Management, Dodge County Sheriff and Central Communications, Columbus Fire Department, Dodge County HAZMAT, ATF, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, Wisconsin Public Health, OSHA, EPA, DNR, and Private Environmental Contractors, Julie’s Java Hut.

Briefings will take place at 8AM and 4PM daily. After briefings there will be a press update at 11AM and 5PM at the media staging site, N4110 State Highway 73, Columbus, WI

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 13, 2009 --- 11:05 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- Dodge County authorities say their investigation into a chemical warehouse fire could be hampered by severe weather.

Sheriff Todd Nehls said Wednesday there's not a sense of urgency because no one was killed or injured. He says investigators are proceeding cautiously, especially since the National Weather Service says Wednesday afternoon rain storms could bring quarter-sized hail.

The rain also could help, as Nehls says the fire continues to smolder in some areas.

The fire started Monday night at the Columbus Chemical Industries plant, and authorities evacuated about 140 nearby homes for about a day.

Investigators are looking into the cause. Nehls says there's no reason to think the fire is suspicious.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 5:10 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- A fire at a chemical plant just outside Columbus has almost burned itself out.

Dodge County Sheriff's spokeswoman Molly Soblewski initially said the fire had gone out by 4 p.m. But she now says there are still flames in a corner of the plant.

Sheriff Todd Nehls says he went into the building around mid-afternoon with firefighters. They found flames 6 inches to 8 inches high in places.

A warehouse storing chemicals at Columbus Chemical Industries caught fire Monday night. A series of explosions forced firefighters to withdraw and let the fire burn.

Emergency workers evacuated about 140 homes Monday and closed roads around the plant. They had allowed everyone back in their homes and reopned the roads by about 4 p.m.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 4:25 p.m.

UPDATED Press Release:

At 4:00pm all residents in the Columbus area will be allowed to return to their homes. Sheltering in place will be discontinued at this time.

The EPA along with Public Health have determined that the air and water are safe outside the perimeter of the Columbus Chemical Grounds. Hwy 73 will also be opened at that time. The EPA will continue to test wells in the area for the next few weeks to assure that the water remains safe.

Power is being restored to all homes and businesses in the area, except the chemical plant.

On Wednesday morning 6-8 agents from the State Fire Marshal’s office will begin their investigation at the scene to determine the cause of the fire. They will be assisted by Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department.

Columbus Chemical has hired a contractor to provide environmental clean-up. That company is Northshore Environmental from the Milwaukee area. They will be assisted by BT Square who will provide quad-gas monitoring inside and outside the hot zone. They will also provide testing to water wells as another precaution.

At 8:00am Wednesday morning, departments involved will meet to determine an action plan through the remainder of the investigation and clean-up.

The citizens from the area deserve a huge thanks for their cooperation and patience.

The following departments remain active for the incident:

Dodge County Emergency Management
Dodge County Class B HazMat Team
EPA
State Fire Marshall
Columbus Emergency Management
Executives from Columbus Chemical
DCI
Dodge County Sheriff’s Department

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 1:15 p.m.

At 11:00am Hwy 151 was opened to public traffic. Hwy 73 remains closed in the area of the fire.

EPA remains on scene to monitor air quality and will do so until at least 8:00pm tonight.

The Class A HazMat Team from Madison along with the Dodge County Class B Team are currently developing a plan to enter the affected area.

All residents can return to their homes except those that live on Tempkin Rd, Hickory Rd, Oak Grove Rd, and Hanann Rd. This is an area southeast of the fire.

Emergency management teams, along with the EPA and local law enforcement are manning the command post. Public health will be issuing health information within the hour.

8 air quality monitors remain in place but have shown no signs of hazardous materials in the air.

Questions can be directed to the command post at 920-210-1642.

ATF and the State fire marshal are meeting with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department to develop an investigative plan.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009---10:09 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- A chemical plant that exploded in south-central Wisconsin this week was cited in 2005 for 10 safety violations, including eight labeled "serious."

The violations at Columbus Chemical Industries Inc. included its handling of flammable and hazardous materials and maintenance of safety equipment.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration assessed a fine of about $4,300. OSHA spokesman Scott Allen says the company promptly corrected each violation.

A series of explosions rocked the plant's Columbus site Monday evening, and a warehouse fire continued to burn Tuesday morning.

No serious injuries were reported, although three firefighters knocked to the ground by the explosions were treated for injuries and released.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009---10:07 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- Officials are monitoring for contaminants in the air near the Columbus chemical fire. But, sheriff's and company representatives say no readings have exceeded federal air safety standards.

Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls says dozens of people evacuated in the area of the Columbus Chemical Industries plant may be able to return to their homes by noon.

The fire that began last night triggered three explosions after firefighters arrived. Three firefighters were knocked to the ground by at least one of the explosions and one of the three was hit by debris. They were treated and released from a local hospital.

Columbus Chemical executive Steve Quandt says no one knows yet what caused the fire because investigators haven't been able to get onto the site yet because of hot spots.

Nehls says 19 firefighters and emergency responders were taken to a hospital in Columbus and decontaminated, a routine procedure.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 7:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- Dodge County's sheriff says firefighters were withdrawn from battling the fire at Columbus Chemical Industries after one particularly large explosion.

Sheriff Todd Nehls says he was 200 feet away in his car and the explosion rocked his vehicle.

Officials then decided to let the chemicals burn up and the fire extinguish itself.

Dozens of neighbors evacuated Monday night remained out of their homes early Tuesday.

A series of explosions was heard Monday about 8 p.m. as firefighters were called to the burning plant.

An emergency shelter was set up at Columbus Senior Center, where some of the approximate 144 evacuees spent the night.

Dr. David Gerber says he evacuated seven dogs and five cats from his veterinary clinic in Columbus and took them to his home. Gerber says the animals will be transferred to a clinic in nearby Beaver Dam.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 6:30 a.m.

COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- A chemical plant fire continued to burn early Tuesday in the south-central Wisconsin community of Columbus where dozens of neighbors were forced to evacuate their homes.

A series of explosions was heard Monday about 8 p.m. at Columbus Chemical Industries as firefighters were called to the burning plant.

About 150 emergency responders were at the scene late Monday, but no serious injuries were reported. At least two firefighters were being checked at a local hospital.

Dodge County authorities used an emergency notification system to call other residents in the Columbus and Beaver Dam areas and tell them to stay inside and keep their windows closed because of smoke from the fire.

An emergency shelter was set up at Columbus Senior Center.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 5:55 a.m.

Press Release:

Dodge County authorities continue to work the overnight fire at Columbus Chemical. STH’s 151 and 73 are closed and detoured. The Dodge County Sheriff’s Dept. is advising motorists to avoid the Columbus area if possible and for those who must travel in the area to give themselves extra time and use caution as they travel on the detours.

Authorities are also continuing their “shelter in place” for citizens living north of Columbus. Testing and air monitoring are ongoing and until authorities are given the all clear the “shelter in place” advisory remains.

Citizens north of Columbus are being asked to remain in their homes, close windows and doors, shut off furnaces and air conditioners. Should anybody sense irritation to the eyes, nose, or throat, self evacuate to an area south of STH 16. Should you be in need of shelter, report to the Columbus Senior Center for placement.

The “shelter in place” is advisory only, authorities have no valid tests that reflect any dangerous toxics or chemicals in the smoke coming from the fire and this measure is precautionary at this time.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 3:20 a.m.

Emergency crews are still at the scene of an explosion and fire at a chemical plant in Dodge county. An automated fire alarm alerted the 911 center at 8:04 p.m.. Emergency crews then rushed to the scene at Columbus Chemical Industries north of Columbus at N4335 Temkin Road. The fire was confined to a 15,000-square-foot warehouse.

About 200 firefighters from nearly a dozen departments responded to the fire, as well as hazardous materials teams and National Guard members from Madison.

Just after 8:00 p.m., neighbors reported hearing "multiple explosions." Firefighters stopped fighting the blaze for fear of more explosions. Two firefighters suffered injuries. As of the last media briefing, they were listed in stable condition (but were expected to be released early this morning). A third firefighter was transported as a precautionary measure.

Evacuations took place on the northside of Columbus and in a subdivision next to the plant. Authorities were worried about smoke plumes. Officials said 144 people from 65 residences within a half-mile of the fire evacuated. An emergency shelter was set up at the Columbus Senior Center, 125 N. Dickason Blvd. Authorities went door-to-door asking residents to leave. Others in the area north and northwest of the plant received Reverse 911 calls telling them to stay inside.

Highway 73 and 151 remain closed at this hour.

Columbus Chemical Industries is a processor and packager of high purity and ultra pure chemicals. The company specialize in acids, their blends and dilutions. Columbus Chemical employs 55 people in Columbus and has been in business for 30 years.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 12, 2009 --- 12:55 a.m.

From a 12:55 a.m. press conference:
A third firefighter has now been transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. Two ambulances are being decontaminated, again as a precautionary measure.

The management team (Columbus Chemical Industries) has been very cooperative, according to officers.

As of 12:35 p.m., 144 people from 65-residences have registered at the shelter.

Approx. 150 responders remain at the scene. However, 75-may be released and put on a rotation basis.

Schools and businesses in Columbus should expect to operate as normal.

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Emergency crews are at the scene of an explosion and fire at a chemical plant.

Dodge County authorities say they are on the scene at Columbus Chemical Industries north of Columbus along Highway 151 and 73.

Emergency crews from several communities and counties are rushing to the scene. The north portion of the building is in flames.

Neighbors report hearing "multiple explosions" from the scene. We are told two firefighters suffered injuries. They are in stable condition at this hour.

Mandatory evacuations are taking place on the northside of Columbus and in a subdivision next to the plant. Authorities are worried right now about a plume of smoke. People north and northwest of the plant (towards Fall River) are urged to stay inside, and keep their windows and doors closed. This is the area west of State Highway 73 and north of State Highway 16. Highway 73 and 151 are closed at this hour.

A Red Cross shelter is open in Columbus (at the Columbus Area Senior Center) at 125 N. Dickason Blvd.

NBC15's Barclay Pollak is at the scene. He'll be updating this story throughout the evening.

More information from the company's website:

Columbus Chemical Industries, Inc. is a processor and packager of high purity and ultra pure chemicals. We specialize in acids, their blends and dilutions. In addition we package a very broad range of salts and other solid chemicals – all high purity.

While concentrating on the most pure chemicals manufactured by producers from around the globe, we provide specialty packaging, private labeling and batch-sized units for a wide variety of high tech and pharmaceutical customers. Quality systems and training programs are in place to support tough standards in all industries served.

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COLUMBUS, Wis. (AP) -- Fire broke out at Columbus Chemical Industries Monday night and caused the evacuation of nearby city residents while firefighters battled the blaze.

Dodge County authorities used an emergency notification system to call other residents in the Columbus and Beaver Dam areas and tell them to stay inside and keep their windows closed because of smoke from the fire.

A series of explosions were reported along with the fire, which broke out shortly after 8 p.m. Monday.

No serious injuries were reported, although two firefighters were being checked at a local hospital.

An emergency shelter was set up at Columbus Senior Center.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.