Large metal recycling pile fire prompts shelter-in-place in Dayton

DAYTON, TX – A large fire at the Omni Recycling Center prompted a shelter-in-place order after a massive pile of shredded household metal products ignited, officials said.

Nathan Green with the Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office said the fire was discovered around 6:30 p.m. in a pile described as roughly the size of a football field and originally about 45 to 50 feet tall.

The fire remains contained to the single pile that ignited. Officials said portions of the pile have burned down between 10 and 15 feet, while other sections remain between 35 and 40 feet high. Crews are keeping water on adjacent piles to prevent the blaze from spreading.

Approximately 40 fire apparatus from about 13 departments responded, including roughly 15 tanker trucks shuttling water after a hydrant on the property was unable to maintain supply. A hydrant connected to the city main is being used to support a ladder truck operation.

The pile consisted of first-run shredded household metal items, including refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and paint cans. Green said chemicals are involved due to plastics, rubbers and aerosol containers that may not have been punctured during the shredding process. Firefighters reported hearing popping sounds believed to be pressurized paint cans, spray cans and possibly propane cylinders igniting in the heat.

A precautionary shelter-in-place was issued for residents within a triangle bordered by Highway 90, the Grand Parkway 99 and FM 1960. Officials estimate the affected area includes hundreds of homes, though some subdivisions are still under construction and occupancy levels are unclear.

Residents within the designated area were advised to remain indoors, keep doors and windows closed and avoid going outside to observe the smoke. Air monitors have not detected concerning levels in residential areas, but officials are monitoring weather conditions in case smoke begins settling at lower elevations.

No injuries have been reported among firefighters or staff. An ambulance is on standby as a precaution.

Officials said the fire is expected to burn for many hours and could continue through sunrise, as metal fires cannot be fully extinguished and must burn themselves out while crews focus on containment.