Fire Crews Extinguish Blaze at WM Recycling Facility

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFT) reported on its website that it fought a fire at a Waste Management recycling facility in Sun Valley, Calif., on Aug. 23. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they discovered a “deep-seated blaze” in a large pile of construction and demolition debris. Firefighters described the pile of burning debris as being the size of a football field.

More than 120 LAFD firefighters worked in rotating shifts to contain the blaze and extinguish the fire. LAFD reports that the fire was extinguished by that afternoon. One firefighter sustained a hand injury. No other injuries were reported.

According to newspaper reports, Waste Management officials said a chemical reaction or “hot load” may have caused the fire. This is a result of improper disposal of household items.