Recycling plant fire near East Mount Houston, firefighters hospitalized
HOUSTON - A large fire at a recycling plant in northeast Houston has caused clouds of smoke to be seen from the roadways.
The Eastex Fire Department reported they were working on a fire at Prestige Metal on Saturday afternoon in the 7600 block of East Mount Houston near Suburban Road.
According to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, the operation to contain the fire might take two days. The pile of trash is around 80 feet tall, covering one acre. The recycling plant handles debris from scrap metal, cars, and lithium-ion batteries.
Three firefighters were taken to the hospital and two have since been released, Harris County Fire Marshal's Office said.
HCFMO hazmat and Harris County Pollution Control are currently monitoring air conditions. There is no impact on the community at this time.
Residents are asked to avoid the area as fire trucks shuttle water from about a mile away due to no hydrants nearby.
Drivers are expected to experience traffic delays for the rest of the day.