Beech Tree News Network

Scores of volunteer firemen from across Butler County rushed to 316 Brownsville Road earlier this afternoon between 5:30 and 6 p.m. to battle a dangerous fire that, if not contained, may have threatened the Warren RECC substation complex at Aberdeen.  According to surveillance cameras at the site, the first smoke was seen at approximately 5:05 p.m.  As firemen converged on the scene and fought the blaze, several loud explosions were heard as unknown items in the building were consumed and as the building itself collapsed.  According to firemen, the building contained, among other things, a bulldozer, a service truck, oil, various types of welding equipment, and acetylene oxygen tanks.      

The building is located on what is commonly referred to as the "cut through" road running from the KY 70/79 interchange near Kentucky Crossroads Market and to U.S. 231 (Eden Stretch/Beaver Dam Road).  Ownership of the commercial building is listed as Evergreen, Inc. (a.k.a. Green River Equipment Leasing) - a company formerly owned by the late Mack Gabbard and still owned by family members.  The building was a total loss.  

Volunteer firemen from Morgantown, Second, Fourth and Fifth Districts, and Rochester, as well as firemen from the Cromwell Fire Department in Ohio County, all responded to the scene.  As fire trucks emptied their tanks, trucks were sent to various hydrants in the area to refill.  Of particular concern to firemen were the building's unknown contents, a propane tank near it,  and the structure's close proximity to the Warren RECC substation.  However, firemen were able to contain the fire before those threats materialized.  

At approximately 6:46 p.m., firemen reported that the blaze was under control but also that firemen would be remaining at the scene to monitor the site.

The exact cause of the fire is unknown at this time.  

Stay connected to Beech Tree News for the latest on this developing story.