Emergency Response Underway as Fire Engulfs Kernersville Scrap Metal Recycling Center
Kernersville, NC — Firefighters rushed to the scene early yesterday morning after a large fire broke out at a scrap metal recycling center in Kernersville. The blaze quickly escalated, engulfing a significant portion of the facility and prompting an immediate emergency response from local fire departments.
According to Kernersville Fire Chief Mark Stevens, the first call came in just before 6 a.m., reporting thick smoke and visible flames at the recycling yard located on Industrial Drive. Fire crews arrived within minutes and began battling the fire to prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings and residential areas.
“The scrap metal piles presented a challenging fuel source,” Chief Stevens explained. “Because of the nature of the materials, the fire burned intensely and required multiple units to contain it.”
Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the morning, deploying specialized equipment and using foam retardants to cool down the burning metal and suppress flare-ups. A total of six fire engines and nearly 30 personnel were involved in the operation, supported by crews from neighboring towns who answered mutual aid requests.
Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no reports of injuries. Emergency responders successfully evacuated all employees from the facility before flames spread. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial speculation points to a possible electrical malfunction or spontaneous combustion within the scrap piles.
Environmental officials were also called to the site to monitor air quality and assess any potential pollution risks from the burning metals and debris. Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods were advised to keep windows closed and limit outdoor activities until further notice.
The scrap metal recycling center is a critical part of Kernersville’s local industry, processing large quantities of metal for reuse and reducing waste in the community. The extent of the damage caused by the fire has not yet been fully assessed, but owners expressed concern about the impact on operations and employees’ livelihoods.
Fire Chief Stevens praised the swift response of all teams involved and urged residents to remain vigilant for fire safety. “We are grateful that no one was hurt and that we contained the blaze before it spread further,” he said. “Our crews are committed to protecting this community.
Officials expect the investigation to continue over the coming days and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
