A man says his livelihood went up in flames Thursday morning during a massive business fire near the Orleans hotel-casino. Smoke from the blaze could be seen for miles, and before it was out, there was at least one explosion.
Firefighters rushed to the scene, but it was too dangerous to go inside. One firefighter was sent to the hospital. He was quickly treated and released.
Once the engines started leaving, reality began to set in for Michael Hoy, who owns a carpet pad recycling business. His employee called him with the heartbreaking news.
"I just can't believe the totalness of it," Michael said.
Firefighters were working on the flames for several hours. The roof was completely destroyed.
For a lot of business owners, this was a close call. But priorities are a little different for Michael.
"I don't know what I'm going to do. I've already made calls to everybody I know," he said. "I'm going to need help, and I know that they will help me."
