September 23, 2025

Massive Fire Causes $2 Million in Damages at Cleveland Recycling Facility

News Summary

A three-alarm fire at River Recycling Industries in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood resulted in an estimated $2 million in damages. The fire erupted when a contractor performing metal grinding ignited cardboard materials, fueled by the presence of propane. Despite the intensity of the blaze and explosions from propane tanks, no serious injuries were reported among employees, though one firefighter suffered heat exhaustion. Cleveland’s fire department deployed over 80 firefighters to control the fire, which took about three hours to extinguish. The Ohio EPA is monitoring the aftermath to prevent environmental hazards.

Cleveland

A three-alarm fire at River Recycling Industries in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood caused an estimated $2 million in damages on Monday afternoon. The incident began shortly before 12:45 p.m. and was reported around 12:23 p.m. by the Cleveland Fire Department.

The fire originated on the 4100 block of Bradley Road, near Jennings Road. According to the Cleveland Firefighters Union, one of the buildings contained a large amount of propane, contributing to the fire’s intensity. When firefighters arrived, they observed multiple buildings engulfed in flames, and black smoke was visible from a distance.

Firefighters worked diligently to control the blaze, deploying over 80 firefighters from at least 30 units, including 17 different fire companies. They faced challenging conditions as they battled the flames, which lasted for approximately three hours before being brought under control at around 2:45 p.m. During the firefighting efforts, firefighters heard alarming “popping” sounds, later confirmed to be bullets exploding inside the facility. Additionally, a propane tank connected to a forklift also exploded during the incident.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started when a contractor performing metal grinding inadvertently ignited cardboard materials stored in the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the more than 30 employees present at the facility at the time. However, one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion during the operations.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is currently monitoring the situation to ensure that there is no harmful runoff into the nearby Cuyahoga River. In response to the incident, the American Red Cross has stepped in to provide support to those affected by the fire.

Context of the Incident

Fires in industrial settings can present significant dangers due to the presence of flammable materials and the potential for explosions. In this case, the availability of propane in the facilities raised the stakes for the firefighting teams. Rapid response from the Cleveland Fire Department was crucial in preventing the situation from worsening and containing the fire to the affected buildings.

This fire is a stark reminder for industries handling flammable materials to reinforce safety protocols and ensure that all employees are trained on emergency procedures. As investigations continue, authorities will likely examine the specifics of the incident to understand how similar events can be prevented in the future.

The response from the community and local organizations highlights the importance of solidarity during emergencies. Offers of assistance from entities like the American Red Cross reflect a commitment to supporting those impacted by disasters.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton

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