Woodlawn Fire Deputy Chief Dan Ficke said the ink mixer began spraying while firefighters were battling a small fire at Flint Inks just prior to 2 a.m. Thursday, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

"We lost fire gear and equipment, plus hoses and our thermal imaging helmet," Ficke said. He said the ink damage, which he estimated will cost about $55,000 to repair, "almost looks like we massacred somebody."

He said fire departments from Lockland and Sharonville also each lost about $6,000 in equipment while helping to fight the fire.