HASTINGS -- Fire destroyed a building in downtown Hastings Friday morning.
The fire broke out about 9:15 at BG&S Transmissions, just across Lexington Avenue from the Hastings Tribune newspaper.
By noon, the roof was gone and little was left of the two-story building. Six vehicles parked nearby were destroyed as well.
Hastings Fire Chief Kent Gilbert said the fire started in the transmission shop. The fire department was told flames were shooting out of a vehicle's engine, and Gilbert's crews arrived to heavy flames had already engulfed the second floor.
Six area fire departments showed up to help, he said.
Firefighters said there were explosions and the threat of more because the building held fuel and oil.
"We ignored that threat and just started putting water on the fire," Gilbert said. "It was a calculated risk, but no one was injured."
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The newspaper was evacuated for about half an hour before employees were allowed to return.
The block surrounding BG&S Transmissions, including parts of downtown, was closed. Gilbert said he hopes to have streets reopened Friday evening.
BG&S Transmissions opened in 1982, according to its website. Witnesses said the business was well known and respected in the town.