PASADENA, Texas -- Some Pasadena residents had a frightening start to their day Friday when a fire broke out at an ammunition manufacturing business.

It happened in the 2700 block of Shaver before 5 a.m.

Officials say a worker at the business was melting lead to make bullets when his work station erupted in flames.

The fire sent black powder and chemicals into the air.

The worker got out safely and called the fire department.

When fire crews arrived, they worked furiously to get the blaze under control.

As the fire burned, loud pops and bursts of sparks shot out of the building as the bullets inside exploded.

Authorities were concerned about the chemicals released by the fire, so they ordered the evacuation of a nearby apartment complex.

Once they determined the chemicals weren’t harmful, they allowed residents back into their homes.

The residents were safe, but in the dark.  Authorities had to shut off their power when the fire broke out.