Fire 'completely destroys' old Langford Distribution building in downtown Waco

WACO, TX — Waco fire says the old Langford Distribution Building is completely destroyed after a large fire engulfed the structure early Monday morning, burning it completely to the ground.

The Waco Fire Department, including a HazMat team, responded to the "heavily involved" structure fire at the commercial building located on S. 17th Street and Franklin Avenue at 6:41 a.m.

At 6:54 a.m., Waco fire upgraded the situation to a second alarm fire with a special call for HazMat.

Waco fire and police asked everyone to avoid the area, saying pesticides used to be in the building and its unknown at this time if it is hazardous.

The 17th Street Bridge remained closed at noon on Monday. Officials say the fire is now under control, but units will stay on scene to continue to extinguish hot spots.

The fire caused traffic signals and power in the area to be interrupted due to electrical issues, said officials. Waco police also warned drivers Monday morning that a large smoke plume was headed north towards the downtown area and could cause additional traffic issues in the area.

At 8:45 a.m., officials said the fire was contained but not yet put out.

At 7:34 a.m. Monday, Waco fire said the incident was still active and asked everyone to avoid the area.

The City of Waco also cautioned drivers to avoid the area on their way to work, saying multiple units are on scene of the fire at 17th and Franklin this morning.

At 6:41 a.m., the department first tweeted units are on the scene of a "heavily involved commercial building."