CRIDERSVILLE — Multiple fire departments representing three counties had to work together for more than 12 hours to extinguish a large fire at a recycling facility near Cridersville.
According to Cridersville Fire Department Chief Rick Miller, a fire was reported at 11:03 p.m. Tuesday at B&G Recycling, 17437 National Road. Crews arrived to find a large pile of material behind the facility on fire with large flames and heavy smoke present. According to Miller, while the fire was 50 percent contained as of 11 a.m., almost all crews were able to leave the scene Wednesday afternoon with one Cridersville Fire Department truck and one truck from the Shawnee Township Fire Department remaining as of 3:30 p.m. to deluge the affected area with water to prevent new flareups.
Mutual aid, including tanker trucks and personnel, has been provided by fire departments throughout Auglaize County, including Wapakoneta, Buckland, Uniopolis, New Knoxville, Wayne Township, St. John’s, New Bremen, Minster and St. Marys Township. Allen County fire departments that have also responded include Perry Township, Shawnee Township, Westminster, Spencerville and American Township. The Botkins Fire Department in Shelby County is also providing mutual aid. The Auglaize County EMA and Allen County EMA have also responded to the fire, along with the Auglaize County Citizens Emergency Response Team and the Our Lady’s Auxiliary. The Lima Cenovus Refinery has also provided supplies to help combat the fire.
Traffic had been diverted in the immediate vicinity of the fire while firefighters remained on scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and no injuries were reported.
