Kevlar recycling plant destroyed by fire on 20th Street NE in Canton

CANTON, Ohio - A Kevlar recycling plant consisting of two buildings in the 1800 block of 20th Street NE in Canton was destroyed by fire late Tuesday night. Fire officials say crews will be on scene through at least noon Wednesday throwing water on the building to put out hot spots.

The first 911 call came from a woman who was driving in the area and noticed smoke around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday. The woman told NewsChannel5 that she thought she saw someone running from the building before firefighters arrived.

According to the owner, the business, American Demolition, is a company that recycles old Kevlar helmets and bullet proof vests among other Kevlar products.

Battalion Chief Ray Harple of the Canton Fire Department told NewsChannel5 that the fire had been burning for a while before they arrived, and a strong wind was pushing the flames directly into the facility.

Harple said that there have been police reports filed recently for multiple break-ins at the business.

Harple said the buildings are a total loss.

No injuries were reported.