U.S. Farathane warehouse fire 95% contained

The fire at the U.S. Farathane warehouse in Port Huron is estimated to be 95% contained, according to the Port Huron Fire Department.

Smoke was no longer rising from the warehouse as firefighters fought the blaze inside for a third day Tuesday, though Port Huron Fire Chief Corey Nicholson warned there may be an increase in smoke conditions as the day proceeds.

Fewer firefighters were visible on scene Tuesday. Though the fire previously drew firefighters from across the county, only the Port Huron Fire Department remained on scene, along with the Port Huron Police Department, Tri-Hospital EMS, Port Huron DPW, Utilities, and Wastewater and St. Clair County Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Nicholson said in his news release that the fire department is continuing to excavate and demolish parts of the warehouse to allow firefighters to reach and extinguish remaining pockets of fire. Temporary fencing will be installed around the property as emergency responders have begun to withdraw equipment.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed praised the work of Nicholson and the Port Huron Fire Department for bringing the fire under control and preventing it from spreading to other properties.

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"This was one of, if not the biggest fires in Port Huron history," Freed said.

Freed also thanked St. Clair County Emergency Management Director Justin Westmiller for his efforts in providing supplies and assistance to the firefighters.

Nicholson said he expects firefighters to remain on scene for the rest of Tuesday.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.