Crews battle tank fire after explosion at GM Proving Grounds in Milford

MILFORD, Mich. (WXYZ) — Crews are on the scene battling a tank fire after an explosion at the General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, according to the Brighton Area Fire Authority.

The fire started just before 7 a.m. this morning, with GM confirming in a statement that no one was injured.

In a phone interview, Brighton Fire Chief Michael O’Brian told 7 News Detroit that one of the tanks associated with natural gas processing exploded. That explosion damaged two houses a few hundred meters away from the plant.

LISTEN: Brighton fire chief talks about tank explosion at GM Proving Grounds

Brighton fire chief talks about explosion at tank at GM Proving Grounds

Chopper 7 was over the scene, which showed crews spraying foam in an area where there is a tank and a fire still burning. That area also has a pump jack.

Brighton fire said they were battling a tank fire in the Pleasant Valley area north of Hyne in Brighton Township. Pleasant Valley Rd. is closed.

WATCH BELOW: Video from Chopper 7 above the scene

Chopper 7 over incident at GM Proving Ground in Milford

More video of fire at GM Proving Grounds

Below is a statement from General Motors:

“We are aware of an incident on the property at Milford Proving Ground involving one of the oil wells on GM’s property. Fortunately, no one was injured and no facilities were damaged. GM fire crews are on the scene and have the incident under control. Local fire departments stands ready if necessary. We will continue to monitor the situation.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) confirmed to us that they are also responding to the area.

Right now the roads are closed in the area, but we have a crew on site.

This is a development story. Stay with WXYZ on air and online for more updates.