Explosion and fire destroy large manufacturing building in Chelsea

CHELSEA (WGME) – A large manufacturing building, along with several empty hangars and other buildings were destroyed in a massive fire this afternoon in Chelsea.

We spoke with a neighbor who filmed the moment a building for New England Rent to Own, a manufacturer of sheds and modular homes, exploded.

This same neighbor says she called 911 around 1 p.m. Sunday when she spotted the building engulfed in flames.

Firefighters are on site to investigate.

The owners of New England Rent to Own say firefighters told them they suspected the fire was caused by several lithium batteries that were charging power tools inside the building.

They also say no one was inside when the fire broke out and none of their employees were injured.

READ ALSO :One person dead after crash at Hampton Toll Plaza in New Hampshire

The building was mostly filled with construction materials, unfinished sheds, and modular homes.

The owners also say about eight other empty and recently constructed buildings caught fire.

“Absolutely devastated, I don’t think there is another book that can sum this up. Probably just devastated,” said Bobby Miller, co-owner of New England Rent to Own. “Thank you to all the first responders for responding so quickly. Many towns participated in putting out this fire. After completing their initial investigation, we will then focus on all of our staff and employees. We have a lot of dedicated people who come to work here every day of the week. It's about getting them back to work as quickly as possible and rebuilding.

The company says more than a dozen workers are affected.

They plan to move them into their other buildings in the short term.

New England Rent to Own also says it is devastated by how this will slow its affordable housing construction output.

Right now, on their Facebook page, they are offering a free drawing for a mobile home that they plan to give away in October.