NILES — Hazmat teams evacuated homes and businesses in Niles Township after a factory caught fire shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday morning.

Eleven fire departments from Indiana and Michigan battled the fire at Michigan Composites, 1400 S. 3rd Street.

Evacuations were ordered when it was determined some chemicals were leaking at the fire. The chemicals involved are in the isocyanate family, which are toxic if touched or inhaled.

A three-mile radius around the fire was evacuated, from Fort Street south to U.S. 12, east to S. 11th Street and west to West River Road and West Chicago Road.

Residents in the evacuated areas have been allowed to return to their homes, with the exception of S. 3rd Street from Fort Street to Beeson Road.

Crews also built a containment dike to try to control water run-off because of the chemicals.

Workers say the fire started when a machine went up in flames, causing a number of explosions.

Everyone was able to get out safely, and there are no reported injuries at this time.

The building appears to be a total loss.

We have a crew at the scene and will have updates as they become available. Watch WSBT News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the latest.