MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- A large building containing fireworks caught fire Monday evening in Murfreesboro on South Church Street near Interstate 24.

Witnesses said the blaze caused fireworks to be set off at the Fireworks Supermarket building. Several cars that were near the structure were burned. The gas pumps at a nearby store were shut off as a precaution.

Employees were inside the building when the fire started around 5 p.m., but they were able to evacuate. No customers were inside, and no injuries were reported.

The blaze was controlled after about an hour, but firefighters said they expected to be at the scene most of Monday night.

Fire officials said the fireworks inside included sparklers and high-grade products used at July 4 shows.

A dark, heavy cloud of smoke could be seen from across town on Monday evening.

Investigators with the ATF and state fire marshal's office are working with local agencies to determine the cause. Before that can happen, they have to get past other safety concerns that are still hampering the investigation.

"We don't want anyone in there where something could explode on them," said Asst. Chief Farley, Murfreesboro Fire Department. "We want to make sure it is a safe environment for all."

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