Investigators and clean-up crews are now on site at the Bluffton Precast Concrete Co., scene of a fire described by officials as a “major loss” on the afternoon of Oct. 29.

For photos and videos of the fire, click here.

According to information from Jon Kinn, Bluffton fire chief, and Rick Skilliter, Bluffton police, the following information is known about the blaze:

• Bluffton received a call at 3:20 p.m.
• Approximately 55 firefighters fought the fire.
• Departments included: Bluffton (fire and EMS), Beaverdam-Richland Township (fire and EMS), Bath, Pandora, Mt. Cory, Jenera and Allen County EMA.
• The fire was contained by 6 p.m.
• Bluffton fire fighters left the scene at 9:30 p.m.
• Water was used from Bluffton fire hydrants and Ethel Snyder’s pond, on Dixie Highway.
• The building where the fire apparently started was 50 by 100 feet. It was completely destroyed.
• The plant has other buildings, still standing.
• Electrical power may be turned on later today.

The following information about the company is from its website:

Bluffton Precast Concrete was originally known at Bluffton Septic Tank Co. James D. and Phyllis W. Akin acquired it in 1968. David and Michael Akin, sons of James D. and Phyllis W. Akin, operate the company today.

Several expansions occurred at the company. The first was a new building in 1972. The second, in 1995, included a production building and offices. A new production building was constructed in 1997.

In 2000, a fourth expansion involved a new production building. In 2003 an expansion included a new production building, outside aggregate pit, conveyors, inside aggregate bins and complete batch plant.