Flames broke out early Wednesday morning at an Orange County recycling plant.
The fire was under control around 7:00am Wednesday, but fire investigators are trying to figure out just what sparked the blaze. A representative with Trademark Metals Recycling said hot, shredded particles of metal that smoldered overnight are what most likely ignited the fire.
The fire originated in what is called a holding shell, a three-sided concrete structure with no roof where different types of shredded metals are dumped. The holding shell isn't very big, 20-feet by 20-feet. Someone driving by saw the huge cloud of smoke and called 911.
When Orange County firefighters arrived around 3:15am, they had to use air packs as a safety precaution. The burned metal was releasing potentially dangerous fumes.
Different types of metals. Magnesium in there, all kinds of different cut up, shredded metal. They bring in large chunks and I understand they shred it up, said Batt. Chief Reggie Price of the Orange County Fire Department.
The flames were contained to that area and no injuries were reported.
