Massive fire hits Willimantic Waste and Paper Company in Connecticut
Willimantic Waste Paper Company
The building, which did have a working sprinkler system and was up to code, will have to be demolished. The reason for the fire reason unknown
A massive fire began at the Willimantic Waste and Paper Company in Connecticut on Sunday morning which could go on for days, media reports said.
Media reports said that small explosions were heard before smoke could be seen billowing into the air for miles which started appearing on the weather radar.
Officials said there are at least 12 fire departments and hundreds of firefighters on scene working to control the fire. Willimantic’s Fire Chief Marc Shrivener said crews were on scene all night Sunday and into the day Monday.
There were no immediate reports of injuries and officials said it appears nobody was inside the facility when the blaze began.
Firefighters say 400 tons of paper plus garbage and construction materials burned in the fire at the 100,000 square foot recycling facility.
Officials say the debris from inside the facility is so contaminating that firefighters have to be hosed off after working to remove harmful chemicals.
Media reports further informed that people have been asked to stay indoors and keep their doors, windows shut because of the poor air quality. They have also been asked to avoid using water if possible as the strain fighting the fire is taking on the community’s resources. Several roads and schools in the area have been closed.
Willimantic Waste Paper Co., Inc. is a family-owned waste and recycling company that services residential and commercial customers across Eastern Connecticut where about 200 employees work. The building is one of the largest facilities in town and is full of waste and recycling materials, making the fire difficult to contain.