Metal Shavings Catch Fire at Alter Metal Recycling

On Sunday, July 24 shortly after 10:00 am, firefighters from Engine 8 were dispatched to the 4000 block of Sycamore Avenue for an outside fire. Firefighters saw fire and smoke as they peered through the fence of the plant.  They cut the gate lock at Alter Metal Recycling and entered the complex. Engine 8 crew found the fire confined within a concrete storage area with metal shavings. Water and foam were applied to the fire having minimal effect, so Ladder 8 was dispatched to the scene to set up the water tower. The water tower can flow up to 1,000 gallons per minute. 

The regional director for the facility arrived and contacted an employee to operate a front end loader to aid with extinguishment.

Ladder 8 applied water from the platform for about 45 minutes and was able to fully extinguish the fire while the front end loader operater rotated the pile.