Welding sparks ignite dark, smoky brush fire

5/7/2006

Sparks from people welding near the Maumee River off Summit Street north of Suder Avenue started a brush fire that kept Toledo firefighters busy yesterday afternoon, authorities said.

The blaze began about 3:40 p.m. and winds fed the flames, causing it to spread to a nearly one-acre area and send thick, black smoke into the sky, which could be seen miles away.

It took four fire engines and about 90 minutes to get the flames under control, Battalion Fire Chief Gary Martin said.

The fire did not spread to any nearby structures and no one was hurt, the chief said.