The pallet yard is located just outside Lisbon at the eastern end of Grant Street, which is directly across state Route 45 from Pondi’s and serves as overflow parking for the popular restaurant. The pallet yard, located at the end of the street, is owned by Vancura Hardwoods, which operates a lumber yard about a mile north on Black Road.

Vancura reconditions pallets at the site for use again, and there were about $8,000 to $10,000 worth of pallets when the fire was first reported at 3:27 p.m.

Vancura’s had been burning some unusable pallets in a fire pit, but the employees left about 20 minutes before the fire was reported, according to Lisbon Fire Chief Paul Gresh Jr. Judging by the fire pattern, he believes wind gusts blew some of the embers onto other pallets, starting the blaze.

The first Lisbon firefighters on scene immediately called for help, with the Hanover Township and West Point fire departments sending more trucks and firefighters. The Leetonia Fire Department later sent a truck and firefighters.

Lisbon Fire Chief Paul Gresh directs some local residents standing in the area to move some wood and debris from the area so a path could be made for fire trucks access Arter Street to go for more water. (Salem News photo by Deanne Johnson)

The firefighters then spread out trying to extinguish the numerous piles of pallets that were on fire. Gusts of wind fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread to more pallets, and the smoke could be seen from miles away.

The fire also consumed an abandoned house also located on the property, which was later torn down with a backhoe.

Since there was no room for the trucks to turn around, a section of fence bordering the property immediately east of the fire was cut open to make a path for tanker trucks needing to get refilled back at the fire station in town. This gave the trucks direct access to Arter Street, where residents using their own chainsaws helped remove brush and move a fallen pole to make a path for the trucks..

Firefighters were still at the scene after dark putting out the remaining hot spots.

Other fire departments offered their services, and Lisbon told them they needed manpower to spell some of their firefighters who were overcome with heat exhaustion and dehydration from the blaze and unseasonably hot temperatures. Several ambulances arrived to also provide medical assistance if needed, and extra bottles of water and Gatorade were requested.

“Just the heat alone from the fire was bad enough, let alone the temperature,” Gresh said.

Those departments sending manpower only included Negley and Winona. Others, like the East Palestine department, offered to be on stand-by in the event it was needed.

tgiambroni@mojonews.com