Scrap metal fire 90 percent contained

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Firefighters said they have the fire at Franklin Iron and Metal on East First Street about 90 percent contained.

Thursday night, crews were still on the scene, keeping an eye on hot spots. They said they expected to stay through the night.

Earlier in the day, thick plumes of smoke and flames 60-50 feet high could be seen from miles away.

The blazed burned through a big mountain of 3,000 junk cars and appliances. All that remained was a mound of charred metal.

It was a shocking sight for Greg Clouse, General Manager here at Franklin Iron and Metal. Clouse said, "Our top priority is to prevent the farther spreading of this fire. We're also going to preserve the safety of the natural resources of this area."

Since 3 o'clock Thursday morning, firefighters doused the scrap metal mountain with thousands of gallons of water. 6,000 gallons were gushing out of the hoses per minute. They've also used 1200 gallons of expensive foam.

Chief Herbert Redden of The Dayton Fire Department said, "This is an operation where you have cutting and welding. Depending on their staffing level, they have had people here cutting and welding till two or three in the morning."

Investigators talked to employees who work at the scrap yard, hoping to figure out what sparked this massive blaze.

Nearly two thirds of The Dayton Fire Department's resources were tied up by the fire. Several firefighters had just gotten off work, only to be recalled to man other engines and protect the city.

A Wright Patt firefighter collapsed from heat exhaustion. He's expected to be okay. The rest of them continued to battle through the harsh elements and blinding smoke.

The cost to fight this fire will run into the thousands. Firefighters said they do expect to hand over a bill to the owners of Franklin Iron and Metal.