Hurricane debris sparks large fire at Clearwater scrap metal recycling business

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

The fire began at 12:12 p.m. 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.”

Clearwater Fire Rescue Division Chief Tony Tedesco said no one was injured in the fire. Firefighters brought in backhoes to move out objects that were hindering efforts to fight the fire. Crews were making headway against the blaze a little after 4 p.m., Tedesco said, but it had not yet been extinguished.

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. The center is closed today. 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. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14 at 29582 U.S. 19 N. in Clearwater.

This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.

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