Shredded recycled piles of material ignited on the property of Oak Cliff Metal Recycling in Waxahachie, Texas, causing equipment damage from the heat. No injuries were reported, or buildings damaged. Though the cause of the fire has not been determined, the yard has many salvaged vehicles with upholstery or other combustible materials.
The recycler processes steel, rebar, iron stainless, aluminum, brass, motors, copper, and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
The extent of financial damage to the recycler has not been released. Comparatively, the current market for shredded ferrous scrap in Dallas is priced around $270/gt ($266/mt) with a typical minimum scrap pile, approximately one truckload, weighing around 20gt. Typical shredder recycling facilities in Texas have processing capabilities of around 20,000gt per month.
The six-alarm fire began early morning Dec 18, with smoke extending for miles. Fire crews tried to stop the fire that was not extinguished until that evening. The location does not have fire hydrants because of which the fire department had to bring in water tankers, fire officials said.
Many units were on site, along with several neighboring agencies as additional resources were required. Firefighters from surrounding departments also provided mutual aid, and managed calls at two Waxahachie fire stations. Air quality testing was conducted in the area, as a precaution and no traces of harmful chemicals or levels were detected, said city officials.