Hundreds of cars burn in Lancaster recycling yard fire

Fire erupted at a Lancaster scrap metal recycling yard Thursday, burning hundreds of crushed and full-size vehicles and sending thick black smoke into air, prompting a shelter-in-place warning for residents.

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The fire erupted around 3 p.m. at the massive recycling facility in the 400 block of West Avenue I, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The fire quickly went to a third alarm as more crews were summoned to the scene.

Fire officials initially said an estimated 300 crushed vehicles were burning, although that number increased to about 1,500 by 6 p.m. as the roaring flames spread through the sprawling yard. Crews on scene indicated that several RVs and possibly some outbuildings also burned.

The fire was not threatening any homes, but due to the potentially toxic smoke emanating from the flames, the sheriff's department issued a shelter-in-place order for neighborhoods between Division Street and Challenger Way north of Avenue I.

No evacuation orders were issued for any residents.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

The fire was fought on what was expected to be the hottest day of the week as a prolonged heat wave continued. Temperatures were easily in the triple- digits as crews poured water on the flames.

While crews fought the flames largely from exterior positions, forklift operators could be seen within the facility trying to reposition vehicles away from the path of the flames, in essence trying to create a fire- break. But the effort appeared to be mostly fruitless as the inferno continued into the early evening.

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