Crews battle massive fire at warehouse in Gastonia

GASTONIA, NC – Investigators are searching for a possible arsonist after an early morning fire at a vacant warehouse in Gastonia.

The massive building fire broke out along East Ozark Avenue near Piedmont Street around 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Gastonia Fire Chief Phil Welch says two homeless people were inside the building, and that a homeless man was observed walking into the building with a propane tank and then there was a loud boom.

Welch says that same man was also seen leaving after the fire started.

No one was hurt. East Ozark Avenue will be closed for most of the day.