FIRE CONTAINED TO RECYCLE BINS AFTER SMOKE SPOTTED ON SPRING STREET IN ST. MARYS

ST. MARYS — St. Marys firefighters were called out Sunday morning after a police officer spotted smoke coming from recycling bins along Spring Street.

According to St. Marys firefighter and paramedic Emma Tobias, the call came in around 9:37 from the St. Marys Police Department. An officer noticed smoke while driving on Spring Street and stopped to investigate. The officer attempted to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher from the patrol vehicle but was unable to fully extinguish it.

Fire crews responded with four personnel and found the fire contained to two recycling bins. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Tobias said the bins belonged to Agape Ministries and were used for recycling electronics. Key holder Patti Hamilton confirmed the bins contained donated electronic items that had been tested and set aside for recycling through OmniSource.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but officials believe the contents of the bins — electronic materials — were involved. No injuries were reported, and no nearby buildings were damaged.

Fire officials say they were pleased the fire was contained quickly, noting that a structure was located close to the burning bins.