“Looks Like Volcano” – Smoke From Massive Walmart Fire Seen From Space 

A monstrous plume of thick black smoke soared into the sky on Wednesday after a Walmart distribution center caught fire in Indiana. The fire could be seen from miles away — and even spotted by meteorological satellites.

Around 1300 ET Wednesday, Plainfield, Indiana firefighters arrived at the scene of a 1.2 million-square-foot Walmart distribution center entirely engulfed in flames. 

@WTHRcom pic.twitter.com/R4AQmTUZmx

— annemariewthr (@AnneMarieWTHR) March 16, 2022

It looked like a volcano! About a quarter mile from our house. pic.twitter.com/w39Enplm1h

— Eric Street (@EStreet112) March 17, 2022

A photo from 30 miles away. 

30 miles away pic.twitter.com/8HTohPPMgA

— Lord_Liberty (@Lord_Liberty76) March 17, 2022

By evening, more than 200 fight fighters from 24 agencies were battling the massive fire as millions of items, mainly consumer goods, burnt to a crisp and unleashed black smoke that could be seen from outer space.

0710hrs – Crews have rotated throughout the overnight attempting to manage most hot spots. 24 fire departments have assisted thus far and units will remain on the scene for quite some time. Thanks to all those that have provided assistance. pic.twitter.com/QtMerIOPtd

— Plainfield Fire (@PlainfieldFire1) March 17, 2022

The National Weather Service Indianapolis tweeted a short GIF of one of its satellites that picked up the black smoke. 

Visible satellite imagery showing the smoke plume from the fire in Plainfield, IN this afternoon. #inwx pic.twitter.com/PHMXJ6VUuy

— NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) March 16, 2022

Here’s a still shot of the black smoke seen from space. 

“We’re thankful to local emergency crews for their quick response and for helping us account for the safety of our associates and those at the facility,” Walmart told Bloomberg in an emailed statement. “We’d like to emphasize our gratitude to first responders for their efforts in maintaining the safety of everyone at the facility.” 

The satellite’s-eye view of the toxic plume spreading across the state is absolutely shocking.

No details have been released on disruptions to customers stemming from the loss of a major disruption center.