Ohio Carpet Outlet Store Burns

East Akron, Ohio, September 10, 2007--Nearly 50 firefighters were battling a fire that sent billows of smoke and flames into the Akron sky Sunday night at Spanky's Carpet Outlet, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

At times, the smoke would subside, then billows of smoke would appear again with flames.

The fire was under control by 10:30 p.m., about three hours after firefighters responded. But Akron Fire Department Public Information Officer Edward Sturkey said crews would be watching the building all night.

''The major body of the fire is knocked down,'' Sturkey said about 10:45 p.m. ''But there may be some flareups.''

One firefighter was taken to Akron General Medical Center after injuring his back carrying equipment up an aerial ladder, Sturkey said.

A side rear wall of the building partially collapsed late into the evening ''because the fire damage was so extensive,'' he said.

Firefighters arrived at the building at 1860 E. Market St. after the fire was reported at 7:35 p.m., said Sturkey.

''There was heavy smoke and fire showing,'' Sturkey said.

Sturkey said there was no initial indication of how the fire started. Investigators would begin looking into the wreckage today to look for clues, he said.

''It's loaded with combustibles in there,'' Sturkey said, referring to the rolls of carpets and padding.

The fire appeared to be centered on the older section of the concrete building, which was built in 1938, according to Summit County property records. But crews were also working on a newer addition.