Massive fire burns 18 hours at Rocky Mount recycling plant

A massive debris fire at a recycling plant in Rocky Mount is finally under control after it burned for more than 18 hours.

The fire was reported around 10 p.m. Wednesday night at Rocky Mount Recyclers at 816 Halifax Road.

Flames were still visible at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning, and multiple viewers told WRAL News a large plume of smoke could be seen from Interstate 95.

Sky 5 flew directly above the fire at 10:45 a.m., which was smoldering as crews continued to extinguish hot spots. Drone 5 also flew overhead.

No one was injured, officials say.

Thursday morning, the Rocky Mount fire chief held a press conference and gave an update what he called a "debris fire."

Rocky Mount Fire Chief Darvin Moore said the fire was about 75% contained in an earlier news conference. At 3:30 p.m., the fire was 85% contained but completely under control, according to the city.

Moore said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined but added there is no risk of any toxins.

People who live and work near the plant told WRAL News it was a shock that it happened so close to home.

"I was surprised to know it was so close to where I work," said Quante Bishop, who witnessed the fire. "We could have been in the warehouse heading out and the flames could have gotten crazier. It was crazy. It was a crazy experience."

The recycling center or scrap yard buys scrap iron and steel, cast iron, cars, aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel and industrial/commercial scrap, according to its website.

In December of 2021, a QVC plant in Rocky Mount caught fire in what was declared the largest structure fire in North Carolina's history.