News
News Home
Quick Bites Archive
Exploradio Archive
Programs Schedule Make A Pledge Member BenefitsFAQ/HelpContact Us
Climate and Weather


Bitter weather hampers effort to fight a massive fire at a Stark rubber plant
Stark County firefighters battle Tristan Rubber Molding blaze despite temperatures in the single digits
by WKSU's JEFF ST. CLAIR


Reporter / Host
Jeff St. Clair
 
A fire Tuesday morning destroyed Tristan Rubber Molding's facility in Jackson Township. Cold weather was a factor in the response as freezing water hampered fire fighting efforts.
Courtesy of Cliff Franks

Cold weather was a factor today in efforts to battle a blaze at a rubber facility in northern Stark County's busy commercial district.

The thick, black smoke that greeted firefighters yesterday morning was also visible to drivers along I-77.

Jackson Township Fire Captain Seth Rieger told WKYC temperatures in the single digits made fighting the flames a challenge.

 

LISTEN: Rieger on fighting fires in the cold

Other options:
MP3 Download (0:18)


“We always have issues when it’s this cold with the water freezing -- a lot of water on the ground. I’ve already seen a firefighter fall. We’re getting wet. Buttons on our radios freeze shut and won’t press. I’ve had issues with my mask and my air pack freezing up, so it’s just constant,” says Rieger.

About 20 employees were on duty when the fire broke out at the facility around 9 Tuesday morning. The fire is believed to have started in a wall, then burst through the roof.

No injuries were reported.

 
Page Options

Print this page



Copyright © 2025 WKSU Public Radio, All Rights Reserved.

 
In Partnership With:

NPR PRI Kent State University

listen in windows media format listen in realplayer format Car Talk Hosts: Tom & Ray Magliozzi Fresh Air Host: Terry Gross A Service of Kent State University 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. NPR Senior Correspondent: Noah Adams Living on Earth Host: Steve Curwood 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. A Service of Kent State University