Firefighters were battling a third-alarm fire at a metal recycling yard in South El Monte Wednesday that sent up thick plumes of smoke visible for miles.
The fire was reported at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at P&T Metals in the 2200 block of North Tyler Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
No injuries were immediately reported, and the cause of the fire was not clear.
Citing fire officials, KTLA5 reported that multiple propane tanks exploded at the site and the blaze was classified as a titanium fire, with Urban Search and Rescue teams and hazardous materials units called in.
According to the company’s website, P&T Metals is an industrial scrap metal recycling company, collecting materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, iron, steel, titanium, exotic and precious metals and high-temperature alloys.
The company has been in business for nearly 60 years, with its South El Monte facility covering four acres.
“I am actively monitoring the commercial structural fire on Tyler Ave in South El Monte. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for the residential area immediately surrounding the fire and my office is actively coordinating with state officials and city officials to address the fire,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda l. Solis said in a statement.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and first responders who are actively working to contain the incident. During this time, public health and safety is a top priority and I urge residents to seek shelter inside, close all doors and windows, limit outside activities, and shut off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.”