2-Alarm Recycling Yard Fire in Maryland

At about 6:15 PM, Tuesday, December 4, 2007, Firefighters/Medics from the Chapel Oaks area and surrounding communities were alerted to a large pile of debris on fire.

Fire/EMS units responded to Smiths Recyclers at 2001 Kenilworth Avenue and encountered a pile of debris about 60 feet high and 60 feet long with a deep-seated fire near the bottom of the pile. The pile included materials destined for metal recycling and included discarded autos, water heaters, stoves, etc. and combustible materials.

A second alarm was sounded bringing about 50 firefighters/medics and civilian personnel to the scene. Additional personnel and apparatus were required to delivery large amounts of water to extinguish the fire. The fire was declared out at about 9:00 PM.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was transported to a nearby hospital. The cause of the fire is under investigation, however, it is believed that the high winds over the past 24 hours were a factor in the spread of the fire. Firefighters will continue to check on the debris pile overnight to ensure it does not flare up.