LOUISVILLE, Ky. >> Nearly 200 firefighters have been battling a fire at General Electric’s Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky, shutting down production at the sprawling manufacturing center that employs thousands.

The fire began Friday morning in a nonproduction building, creating huge columns of smoke.

GE spokeswoman Kim Freeman says there are no known injuries.

She says the building engulfed in flames was used for offices and storage and is used by a private supplier distribution center. She says the fire has been contained to the building.

Freeman says the cause is still unknown.

Media reports say people living within two miles of the fire have been ordered to stay inside because of noxious smoke.

GE makes a range of appliances at the facility, including washing machines, dryers, dish washers, refrigerators and water heaters.