Fire engulfs Keegan Enterprises

Read how Tuesday's fire developed here TOWNSEND TWP. — Another gigantic fire erupted at Keegan Enterprises on Tuesday — almost six months after the first one destroyed most of the property on SR 101. For several hours, and amid strong winds, about 20 area fire departments and more than 100 firefighters battled the blaze, which started about 10 a.m. Tuesday. Smoke from the property, located near the border of Erie and Sandusky counties, and close to SR 412, could be seen from several miles away. No injuries or deaths were reported as of late Tuesday, Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton said. As of 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Hilton said the fire was "pretty-well" contained, but firefighters stayed on scene to put out any hot spots. "It's eerily similar to the last fire in October," Hilton said. On Oct. 7, 2020, a massive fire broke out at Keegan Enterprises, a company that sorts and redistributes packing supplies like wood pallets and plastic coverings. Townsend Township fire Chief John Schwochow said that fire destroyed 90% of the business. It's unknown what caused Tuesday's fire. As an investigation into the second fire ensues, the state fire marshal's office ruled the cause of the Oct. 7 fire is "undetermined," spokesman Brian Bohnert said Tuesday. The state fire marshal will also investigate Tuesday's fire. Hilton said four Keegan Enterprises employees were at the property when the fire started Tuesday but didn't identify them, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities welcome people, who can remain anonymous, to provide Hilton's office with any information about either fire. People can call (419) 332-2613. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood.