Officials with the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department said a fire that was burning at the OmniSource recycling facility is now contained.
Crews made progress on Monday while flowing over one million gallons of water in their efforts to suppress the fire. The metal recycling company helped fire crews by using heavy machinery to sort and separate burning piles of the large scrap metal, allowing crews better access to hot spots. Officials said the affected fire area covers approximately two acres of recycled metal and other materials.
Water runoff from suppression efforts has also been successfully contained to the retention ponds located on the property.
As a precaution, watershed areas around the property, including Kernersville Lake, are being monitored. Officials said no contamination has been detected at this time.
The Winston-Salem Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials teams is leading efforts to monitor runoff.
Kernersville fire gives Monday afternoon update on fire at facility, watch below.
One firefighter was transported to Forsyth Medical Center for evaluation. We’re told they have been treated and admitted for observation and are recovering.
No other injuries have been reported. At this time, there are no hazards or health concerns for community members. There are no road closures at this time, but crews are asking the community to stay out of the area.
Sunday, April 13th:
Officials with the Kernersville Fire Rescue are working to put out a large scrap pile fire at OmniSource recycling facility.
On Sunday, Firefighters told WXII that they were called to the area of West Mountain Street for a scrap metal fire. Officials said the flames extended to an adjacent conveyor belt structure.
The assistant fire marshal said firefighters from multiple agencies are assisting with containment efforts, including Winston-Salem, Piney Grove, Walkertown, and the Forsyth County Fire Departments.
Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Kauffman said crews are currently operating in a defensive strategy due to the size and intensity of the fire.
Kauffman said Hazmat 1 is en route to continue monitoring air conditions. He said all environmental and safety conditions will also be closely monitored as crews continue working to extinguish the fire.
We’re told significant heat remains within the piles and crews say operations will continue through daylight hours.
