Scrap Metals Fire Causes Potential Hazmat Situation

LILBURN, GA — A large pile of scrap vehicles caught fire Friday at Wide Nation Recycling, causing a potential hazmat situation for Gwinnett firefighters.

When firefighters arrived at the recycling facility, located at 105 Arcado Road, SW in Lilburn, they found vehicles burning outside, off the roadway, at the center of the property. A plume of smoke could be seen from a distance when units arrived.

Firefighters contained the fire , applying water and foam to complete extinguishment. An onsite loader/tractor was used to separate the debris to gain access to hotspots.

The department’s Hazmat Unit was requested to check for potential runoff due to firefighting efforts. No runoff was found and there was no hazard to the surrounding community or environment. There are no immediate exposure hazards and no injuries have been reported. Arcado Road near the railroad track is closed at this time. The cause of the fire is undetermined.

Equipment at the scene included: two engines, one squad, one hazmat unit, one medic unit and one battalion chief.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire Department