Public records reviewed by WTOL 11 show five fires since 2021, inspection violations, delinquent taxes and more than $861,000 owed in city utilities.
Originally published by our media partner, WTOL 11, and written by Faith Zochowski. Find the original broadcast here.
TOLEDO — More than a month after the deadly explosion and fire at a Brent Industries facility in south Toledo, public records reviewed by WTOL 11 indicate previous fires, inspection violations, delinquent property taxes and a six-figure utility balance.
The cause of the Aug. 18 explosion remains under investigation.
The Brent Industries location in Toledo was an industrial laundry and recycling company that cleaned and reprocessed workplace materials such as industrial rags, gloves and other used safety equipment.
Fire reports document multiple incidents
Records provided by Toledo Fire and Rescue show firefighters responded to five fires at the facility between 2021 and 2025.
Several of those reports identified overheating dryers as the cause of the fire.
In one of the reports, fire officials noted they had dealt with previous issues involving the dryers.
The records do not indicate whether any of those earlier incidents are connected to the explosion that destroyed much of the facility last month.
WTOL 11 also obtained a fire inspection report from 2025 showing Brent Industries was cited for five violations. According to the report, inspectors found missing documentation showing required testing of emergency lights and exit signs. The inspection also identified a sprinkler system deficiency that required repairs.
The report said a follow-up inspection would occur after June 6. However, Toledo Fire and Rescue told WTOL 11 the May inspection report was the latest report they had.
Property tax records show years of delinquencies
According to records from the Lucas County Auditor’s Office, the property currently carries nearly $20,000 in delinquent property taxes.
County records also show a history of tax delinquencies in previous years, including:
- 2024: $61,521.50
- 2023: $18,406.32
- 2022: $18,265.60
- 2021: $18,859.12
Records indicate the property taxes were last paid in full and on time in 2020.
Delinquent water bills
City of Toledo utility records reviewed by WTOL 11 show an outstanding balance of more than $861,000 associated with the South Avenue property.
City officials told WTOL 11 the account is currently on a payment plan.
According to the city, no additional legal action is planned as long as the required payments continue to be made.
Earlier this year, WTOL 11 reported the city was owed tens of millions of dollars in delinquent utility bills. A city spokesperson said updated figures are being compiled.
Environmental testing still pending
WTOL 11 also received an update from scientist Scott Smith, who conducted testing at the Brent Industries site following the explosion.
A member of Smith’s team said it has been approximately three and a half weeks since samples were collected and that results are expected by the five-week mark.
WTOL 11 has repeatedly attempted to contact Brent Industries for comment. The station submitted messages through the company’s online contact form, called both the Ohio division and corporate offices and attempted to contact company representatives by email.
As of publication, WTOL 11 had not received a response.
