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Recycling Plant Goes Up In Flames Twice In Three Months

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - For a second time in three months, firefighters battled a massive fire at a recycling plant in northwest Miami-Dade.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue got called out to the Ferrous Processing and Trading Company at 3700 NW North River Drive, near Casino Miami just after midnight.

Twenty-seven units responded and began tackling the fire from all sides. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly six hours, enduring the intense heat.

"It's deep-seeded in some large piles of scrap that were working closely with personnel from the facility to use some heavy equipment to remove and pull apart those piles of scrap as we wet down what's burning to complete extinguishment," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Danny Cardeso.

The plant processes old metal, copper, aluminum, steel items, and batteries. It was not safe for firefighters to enter the building because the recycled metal can produce toxic fumes when burned.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue notified nearby hotels and local residents about smoke concerns

"They've had this a few months ago so they're aware of the situation. You do have to worry about the traffic flow if the smoke gets stronger so I wouldn't be overly concerned except to stay indoors," said Paul Estopinan, Division Chief with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

The same facility caught fire back in July. Sources said nine men were working the night shift when they saw an explosion and called 9-1-1.

Fire rescue said everyone inside the business got out safely. Employees of the facility said they're not sure if or when they can go back, its dependent on the extent of the damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By Amber Diaz

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