Hurricane debris sparks large fire at Florida scrap metal recycling business

Emily Wunderlich, Tampa Bay Times on Oct 11, 2024

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TAMPA, Fla. — Firefighters are battling a large structure fire that was sparked by hurricane debris in Clearwater.

The fire began at 12:12 p.m. EDT at a scrap metal recycling business on Gentry Drive, the city said in a news release. Officials expect the fire will be burning “for a long time.”

No further information was immediately available, including whether any injuries were reported.

The city reminded residents to dispose of hazardous material properly. Hazardous chemicals and items can be taken to Pinellas County Solid Waste. The following two drop-off locations are open:

•Household Hazardous Waste Center: Drop off materials from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and the first and third Saturday of each month at 2855 109th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Large lithium-ion batteries, such as car batteries, lawnmower batteries and electric bike batteries affected by the storm must be disposed of by a private-sector recycling company.

•Household Chemical Collection Events: These events are held throughout Pinellas County on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events are held Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14 at 29582 U.S. 19 N. in Clearwater.

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