This story has been updated with new information.
Twelve Akron Fire Department crews are onsite at an active fire at Holub Recycling, located at 470 N. Arlington St., in Akron the afternoon of July 30.
As of 4:10 p.m., fire crews were still battling the blaze, said Tawanna Young, AFD public information officer. A shelter in place order issued by the fire department just before 2 p.m. via social media was lifted at 3:55 p.m., but residents were encouraged to avoid “excessive outdoor activity for the next 12 hours.”
All traffic is still being diverted from the area, Young said.
What caused Akron fire today?
On social media, the department added that the source of the fire is “trash and other rubbish.” Residents were instructed to avoid the area of North Arlington Street between North and Home Avenue and North Forge Street.
A Beacon Journal reporter who was at the scene said the air near the area of the fire smelled strongly of burning plastic.
There has been no guidance so far as to whether the smoke is toxic to breathe.
Smoke from Akron fire affecting nearby areas
Dense smoke is present in some areas South of North Arlington towards East Market Street, and to the east toward Bank Street and Case Avenue, the department said.
Summit Metro Parks is also warning people to avoid the Freedom Trail, which is in the middle of the smoke affected area.
When did fire in Akron today start?
The call came in at 12:50 p.m. as a structure fire, said Lt. Michael Murphy of the Akron Police Department.
The Akron Fire Department had two ladders and a couple of engines at the scene, Young said earlier in the afternoon.
Young added that she expected firefighters to be out there for “awhile.”
This is a developing story.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Crews continue to battle fire in Akron, shelter in place order lifted
Reporting by Lauren Cohen and Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lauren Cohen and Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
