UPDATE: Large Building Fire Reported In Salisbury - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - A plume of black smoke filled the skies of South Salisbury Friday afternoon as several fire crews battled a massive blaze.

It happened at the Magnaflow Performance Exhaust building on Washington and South Division street. The auto business, known for performing tune-ups and paint jobs, went up in flames shortly after 3 PM. It was so intense, we're told firefighters were forced to evacuate.

A 49 year old automotive technician narrowly escaped serious burn injuries when gasoline vapors ignited in the repair shop. A firefighter also sustained injuries and was sent to and released from PRMC the same day.

Firefighters say that while not all fire incidents are preventable, there are some steps one can take to lower the chances of an accident occurring.

"First of all making sure your heating and ventilation systems are well maintained and properly maintained. Making sure they're fueled properly. Making sure that if your using space heater, as a secondary and primary source of heat make sure that you keep those heaters away from combustibles like cartons and carpet and other kind of combustible products that prevent a fire from happening," says Fire Chief Rick Hoppes.

Damages are estimated to be up to $700,000.00