A large warehouse fire erupted Tuesday evening in Hobart, drawing a massive emergency response from multiple departments across the region.
Hobart Fire Department crews were dispatched shortly before 8 PM, to the 2000 block of West 37th Street. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a warehouse fully engulfed in flames, with heavy fire conditions rapidly intensifying.
Witnesses and responding crews reported hearing multiple explosions as firefighters arrived on scene, raising immediate concerns about hazardous materials inside the structure. According to Hobart Fire Chief Enrique Lopez, the building is believed to have been used as a storage facility for propane tanks and welding equipment—both of which can pose significant risks during a fire.
Due to the intensity of the blaze and potential dangers, mutual aid was requested from several neighboring departments, including Gary, Merrillville, Lake Station, New Chicago, and Portage.
As of 9:00 p.m., crews remained on scene working to extinguish hot spots and secure the area. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Further details have not yet been released as the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
