VIDEOS: A massive fire broke out at an East End recycling plant is under control, according to Suffolk fire officials. One firefighter was injured. “We were able to set up the ladders on both sides and a big building like this, you need ladders and water and we were able to provide that,” Riverhead Fire Chief Piotr Kurzyna said.
Suffolk County fire officials said the fire started at the Crown Recycling Facility at 472 Youngs Ave. in Calverton just after 2 a.m. Kurzyna said 250 firefighters were on the scene. A total of 35 departments stretching from Greenport to Farmingville, including EMS, were either responding or standing by, according to officials. “All the different departments came together,” Kurzyna said. “We were able to set up a plan with my deputies, which they did an awesome job with all the mutual aids that came down.”
According to its website, the facility has been operating since 1970 and specializes in recycling scrap metal, solid waste disposal and demolition debris. Employees expecting to clock into work could only standby and watch the facility burn. Residents were temporarily advised to keep windows closed and to stay inside due to heavy smoke and the dangers of breathing in potentially toxic air. Osborn Avenue was temporarily closed to Orchard Road during the response.
