A series of explosions subsequently leapt from the charred building after the initial blast at B.E.M. Fireworks Thursday morning near Valleyfield, Quebec. Images from the scene showed a building near a major highway completely destroyed.
There were no immediate reports of injuries and the cause of the blast is unknown.
Police have ordered the surrounding community of Coteau-du-Lac evacuated.
Video captured by a news helicopter showed fireworks igniting inside the remnants of the smoldering building.
According to its website, B.E.M. has been designing and manufacturing pyrotechnics and fireworks for 25 years.
The company occupies a sprawling property that includes a store and warehouse. According to the Quebec business registry, the company employs between six and 10 people.
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