Hundreds of Crushed Cars Burn in Raging Lancaster Recycling Yard Fire

LANCASTER (CNS) - A fire that erupted at a Lancaster scrap metal recycling yard, burning hundreds of crushed and full-size vehicles and sending thick black smoke into air, prompting a shelter-in-place warning for residents is out Friday, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

The fire erupted around 3 p.m. Thursday 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 at the scene indicated that several recreational vehicles 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 one of the hottest day of the year 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.

The fire was contained and fully extinguished as of 9:25 p.m. Thursday, according to officials.

Firefighters were remaining at the scene throughout the night to ensure all flames have been knocked down and to conduct a clean-up operation.