JACKSON TOWNSHIP, OH - A significant fire ravaged a commercial building in Jackson Township early this morning, causing extensive damage and prompting a large response from local fire departments. No injuries have been reported, but the building is considered a total loss, according to township officials.
The fire, which broke out around 3:00 AM EST, quickly escalated, engulfing the structure in flames. Fire crews from Jackson Township, along with mutual aid from surrounding communities including Canton, responded to the scene and battled the blaze for several hours. The intensity of the fire made it difficult for firefighters to enter the building, forcing them to adopt a defensive strategy.
"The flames were just incredibly intense when we arrived," said Jackson Township Fire Chief David Thomas at a press conference this morning. "Our priority was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to any neighboring buildings. Thankfully, we were able to do that."
The affected business was identified as Acme Industrial Supplies, a local distributor of industrial equipment and materials. The building, located on Whipple Avenue NW, housed the company's offices, warehouse, and distribution center. Officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but preliminary estimates suggest losses could be in the millions of dollars.
"This is a devastating blow to Acme Industrial Supplies and to our community," said Jackson Township Trustee Lisa Peterson. "They've been a valued business here for many years, providing jobs and contributing to our local economy. We're committed to supporting them in any way we can as they begin the process of rebuilding."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Jackson Township Fire Department, in conjunction with the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office, is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. Investigators are sifting through debris and interviewing witnesses to gather information.
"We're looking at all possibilities at this point," Chief Thomas stated. "It's too early to speculate on the cause, but we will conduct a thorough and professional investigation to determine exactly what happened."
The fire resulted in temporary road closures on Whipple Avenue NW, causing traffic delays for morning commuters. The road has since been reopened, but officials are urging drivers to exercise caution in the area due to ongoing cleanup efforts.
Acme Industrial Supplies has not yet released an official statement, but a company spokesperson indicated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation. The company has been a fixture in the Jackson Township business community for over 25 years, employing approximately 50 people. The future of those employees is currently uncertain.
Local business leaders have expressed their support for Acme Industrial Supplies and pledged to assist the company in its recovery efforts. The Jackson Township Chamber of Commerce is coordinating efforts to provide resources and support to the affected employees and their families.
"Our hearts go out to the employees of Acme Industrial Supplies and their families," said Chamber President Michael Davis. "We will do everything we can to help them get back on their feet. This is a resilient community, and we will rally together to support one another."
The investigation into the fire is expected to continue for several days. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Jackson Township Fire Department or the Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office. Updates will be provided as they become available. The community is now focused on supporting Acme Industrial Supplies and its employees as they navigate this challenging time and begin the long road to recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures for all businesses.
