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BALTIC, OH – The Baltic Fire Department was dispatched to the Flex Rubber Company, located just south of the town of Baltic on State Route 93, at about 3:55 p.m., on Thursday, August 14, 2008. The caller reported that a blower house on the roof of their building was on fire.

Baltic FD responded with Engine 901 and Tanker 902 to the scene. As a precaution, the Sugarcreek FD also responded with Tower 10 and Tanker 1002. Baltic firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke showing in the area of a roof top structure. Some of the firefighters were directed through the building to the fire as others prepared a ladder to be erected to the roof of the facility.

Firefighters advanced a hand line up the ladder and across the roof to the blower house. The roof structure inside the blower house was on fire. Once inside with the hand line, firefighters quickly knocked down the fire. With some overhaul, insulation was removed from the area allowing the complete extinguishment of the flames.

Lightning was the probable cause of the fire. Plant officials heard a loud lightning strike and then shortly after that they could smell the smoke from the fire.

Also assisting on scene was an officer of the Baltic Police Department, and a crew from Swiss Valley Ambulance.