Firefighters responded to an enormous blaze at a metal recycling plant in Austin, Texas.

“Currently multiple firefighters are working to control a massive fire at the Austin Metal & Iron Co. recycling center in Austin, Texas. The fire is affecting nearby industrial complexes, including other metal companies, recycling centers, and a solar energy equipment supplier. Witnesses report seeing heavy, thick black smoke from miles away,” Rawsalerts wrote.

“So far, no injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is currently unknown. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area,” the post added.

WATCH:

“The City of Austin’s 9-1-1 Center is receiving an influx of calls about a large trash fire off Decker Lane. Travis County ESD No. 2 firefighters and @tcesd12 are on scene,” the Austin Fire Department stated.

Austin American-Statesman reports:

The fire was first reported after 2:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Austin Metal and Iron Company, located at 10506 Decker Lane, city records show. Travis County Emergency Services District 12 and the Pflugerville Fire Department are managing the fire, the Austin Fire Department said. The Travis County sheriff’s office is assisting with traffic flow, spokesperson Kristen Dark said. Old Decker Road between U.S. 290 and Decker Lane has been closed, she said.

No patients have been treated or transported, Captain Christa Stedman, an Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesperson said, however, the unit would likely stay onsite to assist firefighters in case of injuries or dehydration due to the excessive heat. EMS reported the smoke was visible from over 15 miles away.

Per KVUE News:

The fire is burning at the Austin Metal & Iron Co. and near several other industrial complexes including other metal companies, recycling centers and a solar energy equipment supplier.

Around 4:30 p.m., Travis County ESD No. 12 told KVUE it was unsure of how much longer crews would be on the scene, with several fires to be put out.

A large plume of black smoke could be seen rising from the fire.

Austin Energy said the fire was not near the property or affecting operations at Decker Creek Power Plant. It is monitoring the situation.

 

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