An explosion and fire in an industrial complex in Methuen, Massachusetts on December 11, 1995 injured 37 people and destroyed nearly one million square feet of manufacturing space. Several workers were critically burned by the initial explosion and 6 firefighters received minor injuries as the incident progressed. The ensuing fire, driven by 40 mile per hour winds, destroyed several large buildings in the complex, which straddled the municipal boundary between the cities of Lawrence and Methuen. Malden Mills, a manufacturer of insulated fabric for winter clothing, was the largest employer in the area and the fire put about 1700 people out of work. The damage estimate stands at $500 million, the largest property damage fire loss in the history of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Fire brands ignited a fire in a furniture refinishing company more than one quarter of a mile away.