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12 fire departments fight Ohio greenhouse blaze

Strong winds and freezing temperatures hampered the firefight

The Associated Press

OBERLIN, Ohio — Firefighters from 12 departments have been called to help tackle a fire that erupted at one of the Midwest’s biggest greenhouse operations.

The fire was reported Tuesday at Ohio’s Green Circle Growers and was still spewing heavy black smoke early Wednesday. No injuries have been reported at the greenhouses along a highway in Oberlin, 30 miles southwest of Cleveland.

Firefighters from departments in several surrounding towns have been trying to douse the flames while dealing with strong winds and freezing cold temperatures. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

Green Circle Growers says it provides flowers and plants to stores including Home Depot and Wal-Mart while using green methods to reduce waste. It says heat for its greenhouses comes from a wood boiler fueled by refuse from tree removal companies. Its products include pansies, orchids and bonsai trees.