Over a Million Gallons of Water Used to Extinguish Massive Fire at Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers

Massive Fire at Kalamazoo Metal Recycling Facility Requires Over a Million Gallons of Water

*KALAMAZOO, MI* — Firefighters used more than one million gallons of water to extinguish a massive fire at the Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers facility on Monday night, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. The blaze broke out around 7:30 p.m. at the plant located in the 1500 block of Kings Highway, between Branch Street and Upjohn Avenue.

Crews worked through the night and into Tuesday morning to bring the flames under control. The fire was finally brought under control by approximately 4:00 a.m. Tuesday after hours of intense suppression efforts. No injuries to civilians or emergency personnel were reported during the incident.

Scale of the Fire

The fire consumed a pile of metal waiting to be recycled at the facility. Heavy flames and thick black smoke could be seen for miles around the area. Residents on nearby 4th and Vine Streets noticed the haze almost immediately.

"It was just a big old billow of black smoke flying out, and there was flames shooting over the house over there," said Branden Diamond, a local resident. "Like I said, I've never seen it that tall before."

Another neighbor commented on the smell of burning materials. "You could smell the rubber and stuff, you know, rubber, plastic or aluminum, whatever," one neighbor said. "Ain't nobody went to the hospital, so long as nobody went to the hospital, everything's alright," Sam Dixon added.

Air Quality Concerns

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Services activated its community air monitoring system during the incident. Elevated levels of particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, were detected in areas near the fire between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Tuesday.

PM2.5 refers to very small particles in the air that can be breathed into the lungs and may cause irritation or breathing issues for some people. Officials reported that the readings steadily declined afterward and by 9:00 a.m. were comparable to levels recorded in other Kalamazoo neighborhoods and in other Michigan communities.

Environmental Monitoring

The facility worked with KDPS to move the metal and extinguish hot spots throughout Tuesday morning. Fire crews remained on scene into the morning hours while crews continued working with facility staff using heavy equipment to expose and extinguish remaining hot spots.

The fire remained contained to the metal piles at the facility, as a crane moved parts of the scrap closer to the hoses. You could smell the rubber and stuff, you know, rubber, plastic or aluminum, whatever," one neighbor said. "Ain't nobody went to the hospital, so long as nobody went to the hospital, everything's alright," Sam Dixon added.

Runoff Concerns

Public Services has also notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regarding the potential for runoff from the fire entering the Kalamazoo River. City staff are monitoring the river and nearby storm sewer outfalls for any signs of oil sheen.

KDPS also deployed a drone to survey the area Tuesday morning and did not observe any visible sheen on the river.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. KDPS is working with the facility to determine what started the blaze and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The massive fire at Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers served as a reminder of the ongoing work that goes into recycling operations and the potential hazards that can occur at industrial facilities. The one million gallons of water used to extinguish the flames highlighted the scale of the operation and the dedication of the firefighters who responded to the incident.