The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Fire officials worked Saturday to determine what caused a large fire that spewed a tower of thick, black smoke as it destroyed a recycling facility in central Ohio.
No injuries were reported in the Friday blaze at Phoenix Recycling Inc. in Columbus.
Fire officials said no evacuations were necessary, but authorities had cautioned nearby residents to stay indoors as smoke filled the air. American Electric Power shut down service to over 20,000 residents as a precaution.
Battalion Chief Tracy Smith said in a statement Saturday that the site remained an active fire scene.
Firefighters expected it could take a few days to extinguish remaining hot spots at the building, which was initially described as a commercial warehouse.
A department spokeswoman said wooden pallets, paper and cardboard at the recycling facility helped fuel the spread of the fire. Fire officials said Saturday the cause had not been determined.
About 100 people were working at the business when the blaze started around 4 p.m. Fire officials said it took at least five hours to bring it under control.
A message left at Phoenix Recycling wasn’t returned Saturday.