News

Actions

No injuries in large fire at Pacific Steel in Helena

Posted at 4:34 PM, Dec 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-14 19:40:34-05

(HELENA) A fire at Pacific Steel on National Avenue sent huge plumes of black smoke into the Helena sky on Friday afternoon.

The Helena Fire Department says that crews responded at about 1:30 p.m. to the fire and found a large scrap pile burning. The scrap pile consisted of metals, plastics, and other materials, according to the HFD.

In a press release, the HFD said firefighters placed large diameter hose lines in place and began extinguishment.

Equipment and personnel from West Valley and Montana VFD’s were called in and also assisted with extinguishment.

Off-duty personnel from HFD were called in to man the spare apparatus and provided coverage to the City.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality was called to the scene for air and water run-off monitoring.

Firefighters will remain at the scene and use heavy equipment to tear down the pile and extinguish the hot spots.

Helena Fire Chief Mark Emert said the fire consumed vehicles, tires, and metal that were in the scrap yard.

Emert said no one was injured by the fire or in the firefighting efforts.

“The crews did a wonderful job. They responded from each station and arrived on the scene in less than five minutes… everybody is doing a good job,” Emert said.

There is no word yet on the amount of any damage.