CHELSEA (WGME) – A large manufacturing building, along with several empty sheds and additional structures, was destroyed in a massive fire Sunday afternoon in Chelsea.

One neighbor captured the moment a building belonging to New England Rent to Own, which manufactures sheds and modular homes, exploded on camera.

The same neighbor reported she called 911 around 1 p.m. Sunday upon noticing the fire.

Fire marshals were at the scene conducting an investigation Sunday.

The owners of New England Rent to Own have been informed by fire marshals that the blaze may have been sparked by several lithium batteries charging power tools inside the building.

They confirmed that no one was inside at the onset of the fire and that all their employees are safe.

The main building housed primarily construction materials, along with unfinished sheds and modular homes.

According to New England Rent to Own, approximately eight other vacant and newly constructed buildings were also engulfed by the fire.

“Absolutely devastated—there’s no other word that can sum it up. Just devastated,” expressed Bobby Miller, Co-Owner of New England Rent to Own. “We’re grateful to all the first responders for their rapid action. Many towns contributed to extinguishing the fire. After the initial investigation, our focus will shift to our staff and employees. We have many dedicated individuals who work here every day. Our priority is to get them back to work as quickly as possible and to start rebuilding.”

The company has indicated that the incident affects over a dozen employees.

Plans are in place to temporarily relocate them to other company buildings.

New England Rent to Own also expressed their distress over how this incident will delay their production of affordable homes.