Recycling center fire response upgraded to 3 alarms in NW Houston, fire department says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Firefighters said hot spots seen flaring up at a northwest Houston recycling center late Friday night were controlled burns.

The sighting was a contrast to what SkyEye captured hours earlier when nearly the entirety of the warehouse complex was burning.

The Houston Fire Department said it received a call of a trash fire before 5 p.m. in the 9500 block of Clay Road, near Campbell, which is the site of a recycling center belonging to Waste Management.

SkyEye flew to the scene, where multiple bundled stacks were engulfed in flames. The aircraft also captured flames taking over parked 18-wheelers in the process.

According to HFD, one civilian was assessed at the scene for smoke inhalation, but no firefighter injuries were reported.

Though it appeared crews were getting a handle of the fire during the 6 p.m. hour, the AccuWeather team noted firefighters were being challenged by the elements. Crews were working in the midst of an excessive heat warning covering the Houston-area.

Houston’s temperature was reported at 99 degrees by 6:30 p.m., with the feels-like temperature at 111 degrees. And what’s more, a south wind of 16 mph was measured.

A hazmat team was also called to the scene. An Eyewitness News crew noted a chemical-like odor in the air. Emergency officials have not said what exactly was on fire.