AKRON, Ohio — A massive fire at Holub Recycling on North Arlington Street in Akron sent thick black smoke into the air Thursday afternoon.
People like Richard Burger said you couldn’t see anything on North Arlington Street in Akron early Thursday afternoon.
“It was so thick you couldn’t down here. You couldn’t even see past the red light,” said Burger. “We live so close with the smoke it’s terrible.”
Akron Fire Public Information Officer Tawanna Young said a large scrap and rubbish pile caught on fire outside Holub Recycling on North Arlington Street just before 1 p.m.
Thankfully, Young said no one was injured.
“We’re currently moving people in and out, and we’ll probably be here for the long haul,” said Young.
While most of the black smoke has cleared, Diana Tisch worries her health is at risk.
“There was a lot of black smoke, so we were pretty concerned,” said Tisch. “I have asthma, so I wanted to make sure I (didn’t) get any of the harsh chemicals.”
That’s why she put on a mask, and her partner, Richard Starcher, helped pass out masks too.
“I probably had 30 on hand and I gave out about 30 of them,” said Starcher.
Young, said crews are expected to be on scene throughout the evening.
Meanwhile, the shelter in place order has been lifted. Still, Young encourages people to limit their time outdoors.
“We are trying to make the citizens aware that this is a precautionary thing,” said Young. “If you’re feeling ill, make sure you call 911.”
In the meantime, road closures on North Arlington Street and North Forge Street are still in place and won’t be lifted until the scene is clear.
