Large blaze destroys Liberty auto recycling business

Fire crews from Liberty and the region battled a two-alarm blaze that destroyed a building at Liberty U Pull, a self-service auto recycling business.

The fire began shortly after 1 p.m. when people were working on a vehicle inside a building that contained oil and propane and acetylene tanks, which exploded in the heat. One person received minor injuries, said Liberty Fire Division Chief John Mills.

The business is in a rural area, in the 1100 block of Old Missouri 210, with only one hydrant. Firefighters had to lay about 3,000 feet of large-diameter hose to bring water to the fire. Several other fire crews assisted, from Kansas City, Kearney, Fishing River, Birmingham, Fort Osage and Orrick.

Thick smoke and flames were visible when the initial crews of firefighters arrived. A second alarm was called moments later. Authorities diverted northbound traffic on nearby Missouri 291 onto Missouri 210.

Fire crews were on the scene until about 7:30 p.m.

This story was originally published April 29, 2015 at 2:17 PM with the headline "Large blaze destroys Liberty auto recycling business."