CINCINNATI -- A boom from River Metals Recycling Monday afternoon shook Joe Hall's home across State Avenue and sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.
Firefighters arrived to find two large piles of scrap metal on fire, according to Cincinnati Fire Department District Chief Jason Vollmer. They extinguished both without injuries.
The fire and possible explosion -- both of which would be the first in the facility's history -- started inside a car mid-crush, according to River Metals Recycling president Bob Eviston.
"We're not sure (how)," he said. "When we do find out, we'll certainly be sharing with everyone."
The company's policy is to remove all potentially hazardous materials from scrap metal before processing, he added.
No one was injured in the incident, and Vollmer said Lower Price Hill residents should not be concerned about impact on air quality.
