GILBERTSVILLE, PA - The sound of fire trucks echoed between the homes in Boyertown and Gilbertsville Tuesday.  A fire broke out in a storage warehouse at Berks Products ready mixed concrete plant.  The fire was reported to 911 by a family next door to the building around 6:00 PM after smelling smoke.  Eight fire companies were called to the scene to battle flames and the smoke that could be seen for miles away.

Witnesses reported hearing explosions soon after the start of the blaze - some were reported being heard several miles away - most likely from oxygen and acetylene tanks stored inside the building.  By approximately 8:00 PM, the fire appeared to be under control, but the building was destroyed.  Several other nearby buildings were not damaged.  Several new trucks stored in the building were destroyed.

UPDATES:  Two firefighters were reported with minor injuries.  Damages are being estimated at nearly one million dollars.

Posted by Zachary Reinert on 02/13/07.  Updated on 02/14/07.