Thick, dark smoke from a burning pile of recyclables billowed over north Denver on Monday afternoon, hazing the sky across large chunks of the metro and drifting over the busy I-70 corridor. Aerial footage showed flames chewing through a mound of cardboard and mixed materials at a recycling property near East 48th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, while neighbors reported ash falling and a strong smoky smell.
What Cameras And Crews Saw On The Ground
Sky9 helicopter footage captured a concentrated fire chewing through a large mound of cardboard, according to 9News, which located the scene near E. 48th Ave. and Colorado Boulevard by I-70. In live coverage and a March 23 update, the station reported that fire crews were working to contain the blaze and that the towering smoke plume was visible from across the metro.
Air Quality, Smoke And Your Lungs
Smoke from burning cardboard, plastics and other recyclables can carry fine particles and harmful gases that irritate eyes and lungs and can worsen heart and lung disease, according to guidance from the EPA. Public-health agencies also caution that older adults, children, pregnant people and anyone with respiratory or cardiac conditions should avoid heavy smoke and consider using N95 masks if they need to be outside, per the CDC.
Why Recycling Yards Are Tough To Put Out
Fires at waste and recycling facilities have a reputation for being stubborn. Compacted piles of paper, plastics and mixed materials can hide hot spots, and loads sometimes contain discarded lithium batteries or other ignition sources. Industry reporting has pointed to an uptick in these kinds of incidents in recent years, with batteries and mixed loads often cited as triggers, according to Waste360.
What Residents Under The Plume Can Do
If smoke is drifting over your neighborhood, check local air-quality forecasts such as AirNow, keep windows and doors shut, and limit time outdoors until conditions improve. Anyone who feels short of breath, has chest pain or notices other worrying symptoms should seek medical care, and residents should follow any instructions from fire and public-safety officials.
Authorities had not released an official cause of the fire or information about injuries at the time of the initial report. 9News provided live video of the scene. This story will be updated as fire departments and regulators release more information.
