Windsor firefighters were called to a massive fire at the old Wickes Windsor Bumper Manufacturing Plant in the city's east end on Wednesday evening.
Crews asked people to avoid the area of Tecumseh Road East and Lauzon Parkway after a massive blaze broke out at the empty plant.
Heavy black smoke could be seen moving southwest from the fire in the 9100 block of Tecumseh Road East and residents in the area were asked to take shelter.
However, crowds of people had gathered to watch as firefighters battled the blaze and officials had to ask onlookers to move away.
Fire crews tell CTV News that there are no chemicals inside the building and that the heavy smoke is due to the asphalt roof.
But likely due to the size of the fire, the Tecumseh Fire Department Tweeted that the engine crew from Station 1 was on standby if needed.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the Windsor Fire Department reported progress was being made in knocking down the fire.
Officials say the plant is owned by the City of Windsor, but haven't confirmed if the fire is suspicious.
No injuries have been reported.
