“This is the biggest fire I’ve seen in my entire life,” a local Palmetto resident said.
Huge plumes of black smoke have been burning at Port Manatee Scrap Metal facility in Palmetto since Saturday morning.
Jacob Saur, the Director of Public Safety for Manatee County Government says there are about 2000 pounds of foam assisting in putting out the fire.
Once North River Fire Department realized how large the fire was they called for additional resources and crew from Hillsborough and Sarasota counties.
“Currently there are approximately 50 firefighters and additional emergency services personnel,” said Saur.
The flames are burning through metals and plastic at this recycling scrap yard.
“At this point any smoke is very toxic and hazardous,” said Joe Sicking, Assistant Fire Chief for North River Fire District.
Manatee County has established a no fly zone within a half mile radius of the scrap yard.
“The fire at this point is 25% contained,” said Saur. It is expected to continue to burn through the night.
“I think its huge. We were out to eat and saw the huge plumes of smoke and we got curious and wanted to see what it was,” said a local resident.
If you live within the area, the county encourages you to keep your windows and doors closed to prevent exposure to the hazardous smoke.