Fire At Recycling Plant Still Smoldering, Excavation Underway: BCoFD

DUNDALK, MD — Hot spots are still being extinguished at the commercial recycling plant that burned down this weekend in Dundalk, fire officials said Tuesday, noting that excavation is underway.

"#bcofd continues to monitor the Owl Recycling Facility following this weekend's fire. Private contractors are excavating the site and extinguishing the remaining hot spots," the Baltimore County Fire Department said Tuesday afternoon on Facebook. "We are working closely with our Maryland Dept. Of The Environment partners to prioritize environmental safety and community well-being. At this time, the fire remains under investigation."

Officials said Owl Metals, located at 1936 Rettman Lane, partially collapsed during the three-alarm fire that broke out Saturday just after 5 p.m. Crews battled the flames from the outside, as the interior was unsafe.

"Early on in the fire, we ensured that there was no life safety concerns. It became a defensive fire because of a partial collapse," Baltimore County Fire Chief Joseph Dixon said in a Facebook video taken from the scene on Saturday night.

Dixon said nobody was hurt, but one neighbor was taken to the hospital as a precaution. WBAL reported that the patient was an older man on oxygen.

"Continue to keep him in your prayers," Dixon said, also asking for prayers for the responding firefighters.

Over 100 responders were on the scene. Neighboring jurisdictions provided mutual aid.

Hazardous materials units and the Maryland Department of the Environment also responded.

"Our main objective is to keep our community safe and protect the environment," Dixon said.

This map shows the recycling facility where crews said the fire happened.