Large fire extinguished at Clayton County recycling plant

A large blaze at a recycling plant in Clayton County on Monday evening produced thick, black smoke that was visible for miles.

Employees at the Amerigo Metal Recycling plant along Forest Parkway in Lake City reported seeing sparks while they were operating machinery and immediately dialed 911, Clayton County fire battalion chief Laura Richardson said. Fire crews, including four engines and a truck, were sent to the scene just before 7 p.m.

When they arrived, a 30-foot-tall pile of recycling materials was engulfed in flames.

“Amerigo staff assisted firefighters by using a crane for moving the scrap metal around to uncover any buried pockets of fire,” Richardson told AJC.com. “Thankfully there were no injuries.”

About 10 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished, Channel 2 Action News reported. Jonesboro Road was blocked near Forest Parkway while authorities were on scene.

In other news:

One local police department wants to use radar, cameras and automatic license plate readers near schools.