NORWICH — At around 9:42 p.m. Thursday, several local fire departments responded to a large fire and explosions at Norwich Meadow Farms, located along NY Route 23 just outside the City of Norwich.

During the initial part of the fire, loud explosions could be heard across the city, and flames from the fire illuminated the clouds above, prompting many residents to call emergency services.

Firefighters from multiple departments responded. The Norwich Fire Department on-duty crew responded with Engine 233 and Ambulance 2393 and first responders were on scene within four minutes.

Fire crews discovered a fully involved commercial structure fire at a building that was 50 by 100 feet in size, explained Chief Jan Papellino at the scene Thursday night.

“Crews immediately went to work on extinguishing and protecting exposures. Early into the incident, several explosions took place within the building. Explosions caused by unknown contents within the structure,” he said. He estimated there were at least four loud explosions.

The chief established an Incident Command Post and directed the responding fire companies into defensive measures to contain and protect nearby property and keep the fire from spreading.

Firefighters operated for several hours under difficult winter conditions. At the time of the response, temperatures were approximately 18 degrees, road conditions were poor due to snow, and crews took precautions to prevent water supply lines from freezing by operating circulation pumps.

Water used during firefighting operations also froze on the ground and roadway, creating icy and hazardous conditions at the scene.

The City of Norwich Fire Department, including off-duty and volunteer members, responded.

The Plymouth, Sherburne and North Norwich fire departments responded and provided mutual aid. The Oxford Fire Department and Smyrna Fire Department provided crews and water tankers. The Norwich Police Department, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Office also responded to assist at the scene.

A number of support groups also responded, including fire police to direct traffic and auxiliary members who provided water, coffee and warming gear to aid responders.

Crews continued to fight smaller fires as they broke out at the scene past midnight, and firefighters remained on scene until 3:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. The fire caused Route 23 to be closed for an extended period of time as crews responded.

Friday morning, Papellino said an “investigation was conducted by members of the City of Norwich Fire Department, County Office of Emergency Services, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office. It was determined the cause of the fire to be ruled as accidental. An accident involving an employee attempting to light a heating source within the structure and having an LP Gas leak within the immediate area.”

During the response to the commercial fire, other departments helped cover additional emergency calls in the area. While fighting the fire, a second call in the city was covered by the Preston Fire Department, which consisted of an alarm at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Chief Papellino thanked all responders, mutual aid companies and outside agencies for their assistance.