EPA investigates 4-alarm fire at recycling plant

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Firefighters responded to a large fire at a recycling plant near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Monday morning.

East Point Fire told Channel 2 Action News that the four-alarm fire was at the New Recycle Plant at 1359 Central Ave. in East Point.

There are no injuries reported in the fire.

Channel 2's Berndt Petersen talked to fire officials who said the fire started near a shredding machine, deep inside a pile of debris.

The airport said the smoke did not impact flight operations.

The fire was so big that crews from other areas came to help out.

“It is a full alarm; East Point has two engines and a ladder and we have mutual aid from Atlanta Fire. They just sent two of their striker units, 7 and 8, which are assisting us by putting water and foam on the fire. College Park is also here with an engine, and so is Hapeville," officials said.

Locals say "Newell" recycling has been on the corner of Central Avenue and Harrison Road for more than 40 years.

"It was here when I was a kid, and I'm 53 years old," said Ricardo Tolbert.

The fire station is just a few hundred yards from the scrap yard, but officials called this a very stubborn blaze. Investigators told Petersen the source was likely near the bottom of a pile of debris that was a good 30 feet tall.

Officials said nobody was hurt, and all employees were able to get clear.

Neighbors said there have been small fires here in the past and some wondered if one of the junked cars was the source.

"There should be no gasoline in those vehicles. We're not sure how it got started. That will have to be investigated," said Renita Shelton with the East Point Fire Department.

The EPA was called to the scene to make sure there is no lasting damage.

Cox Media Group