DETROIT --
Detroit firefighters have been battling a blaze and the cold for the past 12 hours at a recycling plant on Detroit's west side.
The fire started around midnight and has been raging since. Firefighters had to rotate crews as they worked through the night.
Arson investigators said they believe scrap metal thieves started the fire and this is not the first time they have responded to a blaze at the recycling plant on Jefferson Avenue.
Owner of the recycling business, Renee Michaels said this is the third time scrap metal thieves have started a fire in the building.
"I've had numerous problems of people breaking into the building. They take the scrap steel and burn the papers off the piping. I've done the best I can do to secure the building, even though I don't occupy it. But there is only so much you can do," said Michaels.
The buildings used to house a paper recycling operation. Now Systematic Recycling LLC. has taken over the outside of the facility and turns yard clippings from trash haulers into yard compost for gardens.
Systematic Recycling is strictly an outdoor operation and the building is no longer in use.
However, Police said, thieves continue to break into the building looking for scrap metal.
"Sometimes, even during the day there are scrappers here in the building. You call 911 and they try to run you over. They are here during the day when your're on site -- it's like they have no fear," said Michaels.
Firefighters are still working on extinguishing the two-alarm fire.
Stay with Local 4 News and ClickOnDetroit.com for further updates.
