JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A large fire at the Jacksonville Metal Recycling facility caused the city to shut down parts of Philips Highway Sunday morning.
According to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, firefighters responded to the scene at around 4:30 a.m. It is believed the fire was under a large pile of recycling metal before it was reported. No one was at the facility at the time.
No building at the facility has been damaged as the fire was isolated to the recycling materials, the JFRD reported.
The department was concerned about possible fires being hidden under the pile of recyclable material. JFRD worked with the facility's owners to use machines to expose any hidden fires, though no other fires have been reported.
As many as three engines from JFRD and about 70 firefighters responded. Firefighters are spraying the facility with about 3,000 - 4,000 gallons of water per minute to ensure any possible fire still burning is extinguished.
There have been no injuries reproted.
The cause of the fire is not known. The department has requested the fire marshal to assist in the investigation.
Phillips Highway was closed in both directions between Reba Avenue and University Boulevard. It has since reopened.
