SHELBY — A fire on New Year’s night caused about $20 million in damage at Blue BlueScope Recycling and Materials, according to Shelby Fire Department Chief Mike Thompson.
The cause of the blaze at 2384 Ohio 39 in Jackson Township had not been officially determined as of Thursday afternoon, according to the chief, who met earlier in the day with company officials and the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office.
A motorist reported the fire Wednesday at 9:57 p.m. and Shelby fire units arrived seven minutes later to find the industrial facility north of the railroad tracks engulfed in flames.
Thompson said the building, directly to the east of the scale house, is used to sort shredded vehicles and other metals, separating recyclable material from waste.
He said the building was not operating at the time of the fire and no one was working inside. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was examined and released from OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.
Firefighters battled the blaze for more than five hours, clearing the scene at 3:40 a.m.
The cause is not suspicious, according to the chief, who said the facility has had several fires over the years, including when it was owned and operated by Milliron Industries until BlueScope purchased it in 2022.
“Material inside the building is what goes into every vehicle,” he said, including plastics and metals like aluminum and copper.
“We know where (in the building) it started,” he said. “There was no suspicious activity. The company has video cameras.”
According to the company website, BlueScope has operations in Waterloo, Ind., and Delta, Ohio, as well as Mansfield. The company is part of an Australian steelmaking company.
The company buys scrap from industrial generators and wholesale suppliers, according to the website.
“Our Mansfield, Ohio, location also buys scrap from the general public. Every customer is valuable to us, and to the industry our processed scrap supports,” the website said.
“As a processor, we transform raw ferrous and non-ferrous scrap into specification melt products for primary and secondary producers of iron, steel, and stainless steel,” the website sid.
“BlueScope Recycling is focused on achieving long-term sustainable growth by applying our extensive knowledge and experience to support the unique needs of generators and consumers of scrap metal,” according to the website.
Mutual aid was obtained from fire departments from Springfield Township, C,B & S Joint District (Shiloh) and Franklin Township.
Thompson said the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was notified of the fire and responded to monitor air quality and water runoff.
“The Shelby Fire Department thanks all of the departments who provided mutual aid, the American Red Cross for firefighter support and the employees of BlueScope with their assistance,” the chief said.
According to Thompson, Bluescope has asked anyone with questions or concerns to contact: mark.hein@bluescopesteel.com or call 816-639-5821.