A massive three-alarm fire broke out at a metal recycling facility in South El Monte on Wednesday, causing fireballs to soar into the sky and triggering explosions that led to shelter-in-place orders.
The blaze started around 2:30 p.m. at P&T Metals, a scrap yard located on the 2200 block of North Tyler Avenue. The Los Angeles County Fire Department described the scene as a black wasteland of twisted metal and thick smoke visible for miles.
The Los Angeles Fire Department dispatched 112 personnel to the site, but they had to take a defensive stance outside the plant due to the intense flames that prevented them from entering the facility, as reported by the LA Times.
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Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for the immediate area around the fire site as toxic smoke filled the air. The order was later expanded to include several nearby streets.
In a statement on X, residents in the vicinity were advised to close all windows and doors, and to turn off all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for the duration of the shelter-in-place order.
P&T Metals, a longstanding four-acre facility in the area for nearly 60 years, processes various metals including aluminum, copper, brass, and high-temperature alloys.
According to fire officials cited by KTLA5, multiple propane tanks exploded during the incident, and the fire was classified as a titanium fire, prompting the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue teams and hazardous materials units.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.
