Two workers were killed after explosions and a large fire tore through Brent Industries in Toledo, Ohio on August 18, prompting a major emergency response and leaving much of the industrial recycling facility severely damaged.
Toledo Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched at approximately 4:50 a.m. to Brent Industries, 2924 South Avenue, after reports of an explosion and heavy fire. Officials said two explosions occurred shortly before 5 a.m. during a shift change. The force of the blasts caused part of the building to collapse and fueled a three-alarm response.
About 12 employees were believed to have been inside the facility when the incident occurred. Most escaped, with two or three workers suffering minor injuries and receiving treatment at the scene. Firefighters later located two employees who had been unaccounted for.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as Heladio Garcia Perez, 46, and Mary Allen, 64. Authorities said both died from blunt-force trauma.
The fire presented significant challenges for firefighters because of the building’s structural damage and the presence of hazardous materials. Fire officials said tanks containing mineral spirits were located at the facility, which uses solvents in its industrial textile-cleaning and reconditioning operations.
Brent Industries, which also experienced a deadly explosion at its Alabama facility in 2015 involving ignited mineral spirits, uses these flammable solvents at the Toledo site. OSHA is investigating the incident and has previously cited the company for violations.
Approximately 100 Toledo-area emergency personnel responded to the incident. Firefighters continued working at the site for hours as they extinguished flames and monitored hot spots in the damaged structure.
Environmental officials conducted air monitoring near the facility and reported no hazardous airborne threat to the public. Residents who could see or smell smoke were advised to avoid the area and keep windows and doors closed until smoke conditions cleared.
The cause of the explosions remains under investigation. OSHA is investigating the workplace incident, while local authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fire. Officials have not announced a definitive cause.
Brent Industries is an industrial textile reconditioning and recycling company founded in 1977, with operations in Toledo and Alabama. The company processes materials including work gloves, shop towels, wiping cloths and other industrial textiles. Its Toledo facility has previously been subject to environmental enforcement involving hazardous-waste handling.
Published September 2026
