The Greeneville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at West Main Recycling, located at 1302 West Main Street.
Upon arrival, first-in units encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions coming from inside the facility. Firefighters determined that much of the fire was originating from a transport trailer positioned just inside the building’s doorway. Crews quickly deployed 1¾-inch handlines from Engine 2 to attack the fire and prevent further extension into the structure, particularly where flames were impinging on the roof assembly.
Tower 1 was positioned to utilize elevated master streams, which assisted firefighters in bringing the fire under control. Personnel from West Main Recycling assisted operations by attaching a tractor to the trailer involved and removing it from the building, allowing firefighters to fully extinguish the fire. Once conditions were deemed safe, crews re-entered the structure to extinguish burning roof members and conduct overhaul operations.
The Greeneville Fire Department responded with six fire apparatus and 17 personnel. No injuries were reported.
Following an investigation by Greeneville Fire Marshal Weems and department personnel, it was determined that a trailer containing recyclable materials had become lodged in the facility doorway. Investigators believe that while workers were attempting to remove roof members using a cutting torch, hot embers ignited combustible materials inside the trailer, resulting in the fire.
Other Responding agencies: Greeneville Police Department, Greeneville Greene County EMS, Greeneville Energy Authority, Chaplain Danny Ricker.
Greeneville Fire would like to thank the employees of West Main Recycling for their assistance during the incident.
