Massive fire at Red's Towing

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A massive fire damaged Red's Towing and Auto Repair, a longstanding family business in West Springfield. 

Around 8:30 Monday night, firefighters were called to the business, located right off Route 5 near the intersection of Brush Hill Avenue. The effort to fight the massive fire caused the southbound lanes of the road to be shut down for hours.

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West Springfield Fire Chief William Flaherty told 22News that 1,000 gallons of fuel oil caught fire. Flaherty explained that fuel oil is lighter than water, which causes it to spread very quickly. Between the flammable materials on the premises, and the freezing temperatures, it took several hours before firefighters were able to control the situation. Flaherty told 22News that a crew from the Longmeadow Fire Department was also called-in to help spray a special foam on the fire.

At one point two garage bays were heavily engulfed in flames, as well as part of the building's roof. But the owner, Gary Sheehan, was able to save not only three tow trucks but the company's computers which contain customers' information.

No neighbors were affected by this fire, and no injuries have been reported. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.