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A large fire at the Metalico metal recycling facility in DeWitt has been extinguished after several hours of firefighting efforts. The blaze, reported early Sunday morning (September 28), was contained to a pile of scrap metal on the property. Firefighters worked alongside facility employees who used heavy equipment to pull apart the pile, allowing the water to reach and extinguish the flames more effectively.
According to DeWitt Fire District Chief Jason C. Green, the fire was challenging to control due to the large volume of burning material. Foam was not used to suppress the flames due to environmental concerns, as it contains chemicals that could harm groundwater. Despite the thick smoke visible from miles away, officials assured that there was no immediate health threat to nearby neighborhoods, as the fire was located in a commercial area far from residential zones.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Chief Green mentioned that it could have been smoldering for hours or even days before being noticed. No injuries were reported, and the last fire at this facility occurred 12 years ago, with its cause never officially determined.
Thompson Road was closed in both directions between James and Grover streets during the firefighting efforts, but it is expected to reopen soon. Crews are expected to remain on-site to ensure the fire does not reignite.