[Archived] Two Alarm Fire at Waste Recycling Facility Proves Difficult to Extinguish

Media Advisory

For immediate release: March 9, 2012

WHEN:           March 9, 2012

WHERE:         600 Block of Burnside Place

WHO:             Alexandria Fire Department              

WHAT:           At 3:49 pm the Alexandria Fire Department, with the assistance of Arlington and Fairfax County Fire Departments, responded to a report of a fire in a pile of trash at waste recycling center in the 600 block of Burnside Place.  Firefighters arriving on the scene reported heavy smoke conditions throughout the main sorting area of the Alexandria Waste Recycling facility.  A Second Alarm was requested to assist while firefighters attempted to gain access to the source of the fire.

A search of the large, former warehouse located heavy fire in a large pile of trash.  The fire was initially declared under control and extinguished at 4:31 pm.  However, as fire crews began to start overhaul operations they noted the fire was deep seated within the pile and it began to flare up again.  Several further attempts were made to fully extinguish the fire.  Due to the large pile of trash inside the structure; the fact that the fire had penetrated deep inside the pile; and smoke conditions within the area significantly diminished visibility within the building, especially at nightfall, fire crews decided to maintain several fire hose lines focused on the fire.  A small crew of firefighters will remain on the scene throughout the night, applying water on the smoldering pile until the fire is fully extinguished. 

There are no reported hazards to other properties in the area.  There were no reported injuries at the fire.  Damage estimates are unavailable at this time.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

For more information, contact Robert B. Rodriguez, Chief Fire Marshal / Community Services Officer, at 703.746.5217 or robert.rodriguez@alexandriava.gov