Massive fire hits GE’s Appliance Park

Firefighters battled a blaze that shut down production at General Electric’s Appliance Park, a sprawling manufacturing center that employs thousands.

GE spokeswoman Kim Freeman said the fire began Friday morning in a warehouse, creating huge columns of smoke.

MetroSafe spokesman Vince Luney said some walls collapsed but no injuries were reported.

Freeman said the building was used by a private supplier distribution center for offices and storage. She said the fire was contained to the building, and its cause is still unknown.

Residents living within a half-mile of the fire were ordered to stay inside because of noxious smoke.

GE makes appliances at the facility, including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters.