Fire crews battle large blaze at New Berlin business filled with hazardous chemicals

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Crews from ten departments battled a large fire at plant in New Berlin early Tuesday, May 19. 

Firefighters were called to Lincoln Industries -- near S. 166th St. and W. Dakota Ave.-- around 3 a.m., after a mechanical device failed and caused the fire. 

Ten departments fought the blaze for several hours, and officials say it was difficult because of the layout of the building. 

The fire made it through the roof of the building causing thick smoke to pour out for hours. 

Multiple crews on scene at an industrial park fire in New Berlin at 166th near County D. So much heavy smoke @CBS58pic.twitter.com/DmpaMajK9P

— Andy Devine (@AndyDevineCBS58) May 19, 2020

Two employees were in the building at the time, but were able to get out on their own safey. 

The New Berlin Fire Department assistant chief said the City of Waukesha Hazmat Team was called out because the company does chrome and metal plating. 

"They have a lot chemicals, tens of thousands of gallons of hazardous chemicals in here. We did have quite a large smoke plume so that caused us to initiate shutting down all the businesses in this area West of this building. We evacuated from 166th Street, the corner of the building on, all the way to Calhoun Road,” New Berlin Assistant Fire Chief Ross Gscheidmeier said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating because of the chemicals that spilled as a result of the fire.