A large-scale fire tore through a metal recycling center in South El Monte on Wednesday afternoon, sending towering plumes of thick black smoke into the sky that were visible for miles across the San Gabriel Valley. Firefighters reported multiple explosions as crews worked to bring the intense blaze under control.
Aerial footage from AIR7 showed heavy flames and dense smoke rising from P&T Metals, located at 2215 N. Tyler Ave. near Klingerman Street. The fire rapidly spread throughout the property, which includes two large warehouses filled with recycled metals such as titanium and propane tanks. Both structures were fully engulfed as the fire intensified.
As a precaution, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and businesses while crews monitored air quality and water runoff conditions. Officials advised people in the surrounding area to keep windows and doors closed and to shut down heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to limit exposure to smoke and airborne particles.
The smoke plume stretched across neighborhoods, with residents reporting visibility of the fire from miles away. Video from the scene showed thick clouds of black smoke rising steadily above the industrial area.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were dispatched to the scene at approximately 2:31 p.m. Nearly 100 firefighters responded, battling the blaze both on the ground and from the air. By around 4 p.m., visible flames had diminished, but AIR7 footage captured several explosions near the center of the building, sending sparks and additional smoke into the air.
Structural damage appeared extensive, with the roof collapsing under the intensity of the fire. Fire officials indicated the building was likely a total loss.
No injuries were immediately reported, and it remains unclear what ignited the fire or whether anyone was inside the facility when it began. Fire investigators are expected to examine the scene once conditions are deemed safe.
The incident prompted widespread concern due to the nature of the materials stored at the site and the scale of the smoke plume, highlighting the risks associated with large industrial fires in densely populated areas of Los Angeles County.
Originally reported by ABC 7 News.
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