Trailer containing magnesium catches fire, explodes

Firefighters battled a tough trailer fire and explosion Friday night in east Kansas City after dangerous chemicals were found inside. A tractor-trailer containing magnesium ignited about 11:30 p.m. Friday at 12th Street and Jackson Avenue. Before crews could get the fire knocked down, the flames spread to a second trailer. Both were detached. Firefighters quickly realized the trailer contained magnesium, a chemical that can make fighting the flames much more dangerous.