Ammunition Popping as Fire Destroys OH Factory

May 27, 2020
Crews battled a fire that sent flames through the roof of a Canton manufacturer specializing in 50 caliber ammunition, and the blaze spread to a nearby wooded area.

CANTON, OHAn ammunition factory was destroyed by fire late Tuesday night.

No one was hurt and the city's Fire Prevention Bureau continued Wednesday morning to investigate the cause of the blaze at 50 BMG Supply, 1311 Gross Ave. NE.

Doug Lewis, acting battalion chief, said ammunition was popping and heavy fire was coming through the roof when firefighters arrived at the scene at 11:47 p.m.

The blaze spread to the house on the north side, stretching into the attic and resulting in heavy smoke damage throughout.

Two people inside the home were evacuated without injury, and the local American Red Cross was assisting them on Wednesday with emergency needs, Lewis said. A company was called to secure their home.

The blaze also spread to the wooded area behind the concrete structure, Lewis said.

The fire chief on the scene reported at 1:04 a.m. that the fire had been knocked down and firefighters were cleaning up.

According to the company's website, 50bmgsupply.com, the business is "a federally licensed manufacturer of ammunition specializing in 50 caliber ammo, and expanding to other calibers."

A company spokesman could not be reached for comment early Wednesday.

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©2020 The Repository, Canton, Ohio

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