Fire in Modesto recycling center under control

MODESTO (Scrap Monster): The large fire which broke out at a recycling center on Mariposa Road in the Beard Industrial District, Southeast Modesto has been brought under control.

According to reports, the fire broke out at about 5.30 PM Sunday. The fire occurred at the yard area where plastics and other recyclable materials were stored. The thick black smoke could be seen from miles away. Large columns of smoke were seen coming from the building alongside the yard.

Firefighters from Stanislaus, Modesto and Ceres attended the fire. Eight engines, two ladder trucks and 40 firefighters took part in the operation. According to Randy Anderson, Battalion Chief, Modesto Fire Department, the fire went into four alarms at one point, but was soon contained. Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation- one belonging to the city and the other was from the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District, Anderson added.

No injuries were reported immediately. The name of the recycling center too was not confirmed as of Sunday.

Fire crews remained at the site until 10 PM Sunday. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.