Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky as a huge fire broke out at a recycling facility in Mesa Del Sol, New Mexico.
Firefighters were quick to respond and battle the blaze, which was reported at 2:38pm local time near Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
🚨 #BREAKING: A MASSIVE fire has broken out at an industrial facility near Albuquerque, NM.
The thick black plumes can be seen billowing into the sky from MILES away.
This story is currently developing, and what exactly is burning has not been confirmed. pic.twitter.com/mrbWnrF98p
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 6, 2023
The Albuquerque Fire Department wrote on Twitter that structures, products and vehicles were involved in the multi-alarm incident and urged people to stay away from Bobby Foster Drive and South University Avenue.
There has been no report yet on any injuries or if any local residents have been warned to stay inside due to fumes from the fire.
Witnesses posted pictures online showing massive flames engulfing the plastic storage facility, with multiple emergency response vehicles visible at the scene.
Local residents are concerned about potential pollution produced by this blaze, given there was another recycling plant fire two years ago.
Smoke from this fire can be seen for miles around, although it appears that strong winds are currently blowing smoke away from residential areas nearby.
However, with wind being unpredictable hereabouts, citizens fear that this could change quickly and threaten their homes with toxic fumes or even wildfires sparked by embers carried by gusts of wind.
Reaction on social media was swift after news of the blaze spread over Twitter and other platforms.
One user wrote: “Any idea what’s burning in south Albuquerque? Thick black smoke south west of the base.”
Another commented: “Whoa!! I just looked out my office window and can see it from all the way up here (far end of Rio Rancho)”.
SunnyFerret @FerretWrangler6 noted: “Didn’t we have another recycling plant fire in Albuquerque just like, 2 years ago or something? :/ that’s a lot of pollution.”
Ron Patel @rpatelusa said: “Black smoke near Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque is the recycling plant in the industrial park”.
