Fire at Recycling Facility Prompts Air Quality Concerns

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)  - A shelter in place health advisory has been lifted this morning after a fire at a Redwood City recycling facility caused a heavy plume of smoke throughout three counties of the Bay Area, police said.

The fire at Sims Metal Management at 699 Seaport Blvd. was reported at about 1:20 p.m. Sunday, burning an outdoor pile of scrap recyclables, a San Mateo fire dispatcher said.

It was deemed under control around 8:30 p.m.

Firefighters were still working on extinguishing the blaze this morning.

A health advisory had been issued for residents in southern San Mateo County, Santa Clara County and southern Alameda County despite Sims not being near residential neighborhoods, according to Redwood City officials. Residents outside of these areas also reported smelling burning plastic.

The advisory was lifted around 6:20 a.m., police said.

As firefighters continue to work at putting out the blaze, Seaport Boulevard will be open for commuters, with limited access beyond Seaport Court this morning, officials said. Firefighters expect to be at the scene for several additional hours.

Sims Metal Management has struggled with fires before and has faced pollution charges from the EPA for damaging the Bay.

Images shared on Twitter:

Metal fire burning in redwood city since Sunday afternoon expected to be out around 6 this morning. pic.twitter.com/xMNiYzfn0F

— Bob Redell (@BobNBC) November 11, 2013

Redwood City seaport metal debris fire pic.twitter.com/G3nJL1IaQi

— Julian Missig (@jmissig) November 11, 2013

Redwood City metal debris fire seen from Redwood Shores. Stay indoors if you smell smoke. pic.twitter.com/uj8CRfb9C8

— Kumiko Jacobs (@kumiko) November 11, 2013