LINCOLN TOWNSHIP — A fire broke out just before 9 p.m. Saturday at a Stevensville, MI industrial complex. The building housed several businesses, and neighbors say it's sad to see so much devastation.

Neighbors like George Katsulos. His night took an unexpected turn.

"Well, I got a call from my neighbor to the south of me, telling me there was a fire over here," said Katsulos.

The fire broke out at a large industrial building on St. Joseph Avenue — about 100 feet away from his home.

"I saw flames shooting out the building. There was smoke billowing like crazy. There must have been about six or eight fire trucks here. I've never seen a building, personally seen a building, go down this big. It's quite a big building," said Katsulos.

Five companies had been operating in the 17,000 square-foot structure. Officials say the fire started in one of the companies and quickly spread, destroying a total of three businesses.

The initial investigation determined discarded ashes from a wood burning stove may have contributed to the fire.

"It's real sad," said neighbor Roy Boswell.

Boswell's home sits right in front of the building. He became concerned after police forced him to evacuate.

"Because everything we own is right here in this house. And if that would have went with the building, everything is gone," said Boswell.

For Boswell, watching the fire was especially devastating.

"Me, personally, I worked for the man that owns that for about 20 years, and it's a bad feeling. I hope something better comes along for him anyway, because he's still a young man," he said.

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours. The fire caused more than $400,000 worth of damage. It has not been determined what businesses have insurance.