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Fire Officials: Huge Columbus Blaze Caused By Smoking Materials

 Investigators say a massive fire at a recycling facility in Columbus was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials. 

Columbus Fire Capt. Jeff Martin says investigators determined the cause of the May 1 fire after interviewing employees at the Phoenix Recycling complex and reviewing video of the property.  
Martin says the fire started behind a concrete dock used for unloading cardboard and other recycling materials from trucks. He says several employees told investigators they were smoking in the area just prior to the fire's discovery, in violation of company policy. Authorities say the fire caused about $8 million in damage. The captain also noted there were high winds, dry conditions and a large quantity of combustible materials in the area. 
 

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