North Carolina zinc recycling facility catches fire

Pittsburgh-based American Zinc Recycling Corp.’s facility in Mooresboro, North Carolina, caught fire on April 28. The facility removes and refines metals to make special high-grade zinc and continuous-galvanizing grade. Last fall, the company announced plans to restart the facility in April of this year.

According to American Zinc Recycling, the fire was contained, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

According to reporting by WSPA-TV, numerous fire crews responded to the blaze and residents within half a mile of the facility were evacuated. 

“We applaud the courageous efforts of the fire departments in fighting this blaze,” American Zinc Recycling states regarding the fire. “They have successfully contained the fire, with no injuries to any of our employees, who have all been accounted for. We are cooperating fully with state and local authorities to investigate the causes of the fire. Our highest priority at all times is to protect the community, our employees and the environment and we are grateful to the quick action by the local first responders. We are unable to comment further at this time.”

American Zinc Recycling reports the situation at the facility was stabilized by April 30. 

"Based on tests performed by emergency officials of air pollutants, including sulfuric acid, we understand that exposure of sulfuric acid emissions at the monitored levels does not pose a health risk to citizens in the community," the company states. "As a consequence of this monitoring, the evacuation order has been lifted and affected residents are permitted to return to their homes. [American Zinc Recycling] continues to work cooperatively with emergency officials and to ensure the safety of citizens int he community."