MENTOR, Ohio -- A massive inferno swept through a marsh in Ohio for several hours Monday, according to officials.

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Fire Burns In Marsh Residents Concerned

Officials said a 2-mile section of marsh north of Lakeshore Boulevard near state Route 44 caught fire quickly. The area has been susceptible to fires in the past because of the nearly 800 acres of dry grass, reeds and marshland. It is the largest natural reed-growing marsh in Ohio and is considered a national landmark.

Thick, black smoke was reportedly seen as far as 30 miles away, and the smoke billowed at least 3,000 feet into the air. Ashes reportedly dropped from the sky in several area communities.

There are unconfirmed reports that ash from the marsh fire dropped onto Perry Township, seven miles away, and started another fire. Although officials haven't confirmed that, they did say crews were trying Monday evening to contain a brush fire near the Perry Nuclear Power Plant that had already burned 70 acres.

Officials said the power plant is not currently in operation, so residents shouldn't be alarmed.

Firefighters are continuing to work to put out the fire in Perry Township, and they're calling for mutual aid from area crews.

The fire in Mentor reportedly spread several feet per minute. Almost 400 acres -- more than half of the marsh -- burned. However, as of 8 p.m., firefighters said the flames were 90 percent to 95 percent contained.

Gusty winds and dry conditions are responsible for the flames. Luckily, the winds helped push the smoke and flames toward the lake. There is no rain relief expected until late Monday evening.

For several hours, traffic was reportedly backed up on Interstate 90 and state Route 2 for miles, all the way into Cuyahoga County. State Route 44 north also experienced delays, as did Route 285 going into Grand River.

Firefighters from 32 area departments were at the scene, trying to figure out a way to stop the blaze and stay ahead of the winds and flames. It was hard for crews to get back to the burning area to put the flames out because of the sinking marshland, but they managed to get things under control.

Also important for fire crews was blocking the flames from spreading into residential areas. At one point, flames came within 25 feet of some homes, but crews beat the flames back. It's not yet known whether there is any property damage.

One firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury, but no other injuries have been reported.

Officials said the smoke was much blacker than normal fire smoke because the reeds contain an oil-like substance. But officials stress the dark smoke contains no toxic materials.

It has yet to be determined how the fire started. Officials said that they have arrested several teens recently who were starting small fires in the marsh area.

The last major fire in the marsh was in 1992, when more than 400 acress were charred.