Fire damages forklifts at Perrysburg retailer

5/14/2006

Fire yesterday damaged several forklifts outside a Perrysburg machinery retailer and sent thick, black smoke into the sky that could be seen from miles away.

Firefighters were called about 6:30 p.m. to Hiab USA, 12233 Williams Rd., where they found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building, Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Klein said.

The fire was contained to the machines in a parking area about 75 feet behind the building, he said. The building was not damaged.

Four forklifts were destroyed and others surrounding the blaze were damaged, he said. No damage estimate was available last night.

It took firefighters about a half hour to extinguish all of the flames.

The cause of the blaze was undetermined last night as authorities continued to investigate.

Hiab USA, which is part of Cargotec Inc., is a retailer of cranes, forklifts, and other machinery. The international company has facilities in 10 other states.