KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It took firefighters over nine hours to put out a blaze at Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says they were called to the metal recycling facility in the 1500 block of Kings Highway shortly after 7:30 p.m. Monday. When officers arrived, they found heavy flames and thick smoke coming from a pile of metal awaiting recycling. The smoke plume was visible from a considerable distance and prompted numerous calls from residents throughout the area.
Fire crews began suppression efforts immediately and worked through the night to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control by approximately 4:00 a.m. Tuesday, after crews used more than one million gallons of water to suppress the flames. Fire crews remained on scene into the morning hours while crews continued working with facility staff using heavy equipment to expose and extinguish remaining hot spots.
The fire remained contained to the metal piles at the facility. No injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported.
The City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services activated its community air monitoring system during the incident. Elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were detected in areas near the fire between midnight and 6:00 a.m. They say PM2.5 refers to very small particles in the air that can be breathed into the lungs and may cause irritation or breathing issues for some people.
Officials reported that the readings steadily declined afterward and by 9:00 a.m. were comparable to levels recorded in other Kalamazoo neighborhoods and in other Michigan communities.
Public Services has also notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the potential for runoff from the fire entering the Kalamazoo River. City staff are monitoring the river and nearby storm sewer outfalls for any signs of oil sheen. KDPS also deployed a drone to survey the area Tuesday morning and did not observe any visible sheen on the river.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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