California Recycling Facility Burns

SANTA CLARA --

Firefighters battled a three-alarm fire at a recycling facility in Santa Clara Wednesday -- a blaze that sent billowing clouds of smoke across a warehouse district near the San Jose Airport and triggered a shelter-in-place warning, officials said.

Authorities said the blaze was in the rear of the ECS Refining company – a firm that recycles electronics and photographic waste. Concern over what may be contained in the plume forced Santa Clara city fire officials to issue a shelter-in-place warning for anyone in the surrounding area.

Santa Clara firefighters responded in force to the blaze which began around noon and poured gallons of water on the fire from hoses located on extension ladders.

The plant -- located 705 Reed Street -- did not appear to be burning from the views from KTVU's helicopter. Instead the blaze appeared to be contained in the piles of junk behind the building.

There was no immediate word as to whether or not the smoke had impacted traffic at the San Jose airport.

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