Massive fire breaks out at Fresno recycling center, creating plumes of black smoke and ash

A massive fire broke out Friday evening at a south Fresno recycling center with flames continuing to spread even as firefighters poured water on the blaze.

The fire was called in around 5 p.m. after massive plumes of black smoke and ash billowed from the Cedar Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station (CARTS), located on Cedar Avenue just south of North Avenue.

Keith Hester, general manager of the facility, said he believes the fire started in a trash pile that’s located toward the back of the facility.

“Typically, these things can happen with people throwing lithium batteries in their trash pile, maybe chemicals, or somebody put in coals,” Hester said. “We immediately tried to put it out with some of our folks, called the fire department.

“Because of the dryness of everything and the recyclables, it quickly spread.”

As of about 7 p.m., parts of the fire had spread beyond the facility.

Meanwhile, piles of debris appeared to be furiously burning inside the facility, accompanied by loud popping noises.

No injuries were reported, according to the Fresno Fire Department.

This story was originally published June 18, 2021 at 7:17 PM.