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Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong Manages Second-Alarm Fire and Explosions at Industrial Facility

Toledo Fire and Rescue crews are currently battling a second-alarm fire at Brent Industries, an industrial textile reconditioning and recycling facility located on South Avenue. The blaze was triggered by two consecutive explosions involving cleaning tanks shortly before 5 a.m. Tuesday morning, which caused a partial building collapse and heavy fire. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong reported that while approximately 12 employees were inside the facility during the shift change, at least two remain unaccounted for. Several other employees suffered minor injuries, while no firefighters were injured during the operation. Crews are facing logistical challenges, including a ruptured water line inside the structure that reduced water pressure, forcing them to manage multiple hydrants. The site also contains chemicals and mineral spirits, requiring the involvement of the EPA and Hazardous Materials crews. Nearby resident Daniel Jacobs witnessed the explosions, describing the house shaking and a massive explosion visible in the sky. The cause of the fire is still being determined by arson investigators.

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