OAKWOOD, Ohio – The cause of the explosion remains undetermined at a metal recycler facility fire at the I. Schumann & Co. plant in Oakwood, Ohio (Cuyahoga County) on Monday, Feb. 21. Investigators with the Division of State Fire Marshal have interviewed several witnesses and at this time do not believe the explosion was the result of a criminal act. 

The origin of the fire was the interior of the structure in or around furnace No. 5.  Although the exact cause of this deadly failure is not known at this time, investigators are hopeful information provided by furnace experts in the mechanical and electrical fields will assist in the determination.

The joint investigation remains ongoing with contributions from Oakwood Fire and Police Departments, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Cleveland Office, Public Utility Commission of Ohio, Ohio EPA, Chagrin Valley Dispatch, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), First Energy and Dominion Gas all assisting in the investigation.

The State Fire Marsal’s Office role going forward will be to assist Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the interview process as needed.

The State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio’s chief regulatory agency. The Department is focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.