Dozens of firefighters respond to fire at recycling facilities in southcentral El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — Large plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles coming from southcentral El Paso Thursday.

“The first thing that I heard was the sirens and that’s when I looked out. And when I looked out it was completely smoked. It was like pitch black. All of Paisano,” said Rachel Ortiz who lives nearby.

El Paso Fire Department crews responded around 11:30 a.m. to the massive fire at two recycling facilities.

One was at 171 Coles Street and the other was at 1611 E Paisano Drive.

El Paso Fire Department crews responded around 11:30 a.m. to a massive fire at two recycling facilities in southcentral.

One was at 171 Coles Street and the other was at 1611 E Paisano Drive, said deputy fire chief Robert Arvizu.

He said the majority of the materials at both plants are cardboard.

During the blaze, Arturo Reza, who was nearby, heard an explosion.

More than 55 firefighters worked to put the fire out.

“When I went out I already saw the firefighters out there. They had it under control,” said Ortiz.

By 1:10 p.m. the fire was contained. Crews at the point were checking for hot spots, said Arvizu.

Investigators are still trying to figure out what caused it.

No injuries were reported.