Memorial Day Auto Recycling Plant Fire Taxes Southern California Firefighters

Rancho Cucamonga, CA -- The Memorial Day holiday was a long one for several Inland Southern California firefighters. A huge fire at an automobile recycling facility required five alarms to bring under control. High temperatures, low humidity and a strong on-shore breeze helped fuel the inferno that began at approximately 2:30 pm.

Over two acres of crushed cars stacked up to 40 feet high eventually became involved. Firefighters had to set up several relay pumping operations to provide adequate water to the master stream appliances operating on the fire. Supply lines had to be laid underneath a busy commuter and freight railway. The fire threatened several nearby exposures and ignited a grass fire that came within feet of other businesses before being stopped by firefighters.

The entire on-duty force of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department (24 FF