By Adriana M. Chávez
The El Paso Times
EL PASO, N.M. — Three people, including two firefighters, were injured in a fire this morning at a South-Central El Paso recycling plant.
About 45 firefighters responded to the blaze at 9 a.m. at Master Fibers, 1710 E. Paisano. When they arrived, they reported seeing heavy smoke and flames coming from outside of the business, said El Paso Fire Department spokesman Inspector John Concha.
Concha said the fire apparently started in one of 90 bundles of recyclable material outside of a warehouse. A 36-year-old man who worked at the business attempted to put the fire out himself with a small fire extinguisher but was overcome by smoke and powder from the extinguisher, Concha said.
He was treated for smoke inhalation, not for burns as officials reported initially, Concha said.
Two firefighters also suffered minor injuries during the fire but refused transport to a local hospital.
It took about 40 minutes for firefighters to extinguish the fire and managed to keep it from spreading to the warehouse. Damage was limited to 90 bundles of recyclables and is estimated at about $7,000.
According to the company’s website, Master Fibers is a recycling company that processes “non-hazardous waste.” Among the items it recycles are cardboard, wood and plastic pallets, carpet padding and plastics.
Concha said firefighters and police closed off Paisano Avenue between Eucalyptus and Cole streets but that area is now open to traffic.
Copyright 2011 El Paso Times, a MediaNews Group Newspaper
All Rights Reserved