WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) – A warehouse fire in Delaware on Wednesday could have had dire consequences.

Around 4:14 p.m., Wilmington City firefighters responded to a fire at a large warehouse at 1020 Christiana Avenue.

The warehouse is occupied by Intercontinental Services at the entrance to the Port of Wilmington, and it contained bulk storage of about 7,000-12,000 tons of Sodium Nitrate.

Officials say the hazardous material – which is an oxidizer and can accelerate burning and cause moderate health hazards – was in close proximity to the blaze but was not on fire.

The fire was contained and extinguished by officers without spreading.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.