Massive fire at paper recycling plant destroys nearby structures

AUSTIN (Scrap Monster): A smoky fire that erupted at Fiber Management paper recycling facility in Texas near Rio Grande City has caused damage to the facility and surrounding structures. The fire burned stacks of baled papers, causing significant damage to the facility.

According to Rio Grande City fire department, the fire broke out around 4 a.m Saturday at the facility located on 1 E. Sauz St. Firefighters from Starr and Hidalgo counties battled the massive fire, which came under control soon. However, firefighters remained at the scene late Saturday afternoon. Fire officials confirmed that all hotspots in the blaze were extinguished by Tuesday.

Residents in the Tierra Linda colonia, specifically on Lopez Street were evacuated, as thick smoke and ash made breathing difficult.

According to reports, one nearby home has been declared as “a total loss”, while another was partly damaged.

The reason for the fire is still unknown. The calls to the company went unanswered.

Fiber Management supplies secondary fiber to Mexican paper mills.