Sun Valley Scrap Yard Blaze Belches Smoke Over Tujunga Avenue

A recycling-yard blaze in Sun Valley is out after an early Sunday scare, with initial reports indicating there were no injuries. Thick smoke from the scrap-metal lot pushed a dark plume over nearby streets while fire crews moved in to knock down hot spots and secure the scene.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the incident was reported at 8250 N Tujunga Avenue, with units from Fire Station 77 listed among the responders. The department’s alert labeled the fire as “now out” and shared a map of the location along with a link to additional details.

Fire response on site

Regional records show the Tujunga property is an auto-recycling and scrap-metal yard, identified as SA Recycling at 8250 Tujunga Ave on the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s registered facilities list. AQMD's register confirms the site’s industrial classification, which helps explain the heavy smoke neighbors reported while the fire was active.

Why recycling‑yard fires are complicated

When you pack vehicles and industrial scrap tightly together, you get the kind of fuel load firefighters dread: it can burn hot, for a long time, and with complicated smoke that makes suppression and cleanup trickier than a typical structure fire. In a larger Sun Valley scrap-yard blaze in 2016, dozens of vehicles were engulfed and crews fought heavy flames for hours, as reported by ABC7 Los Angeles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that fires involving structures and manufactured materials can raise levels of hazardous air pollutants, including heavy metals, which may travel into downwind neighborhoods.

How neighbors can protect themselves

Anyone who noticed smoke drifting through the area should assume local air quality may have taken a hit and act accordingly: stay indoors with windows closed, run air conditioning on recirculate, and use HEPA filtration or an N95 respirator if you need to be outside. Public guidance from AirNow and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises that vulnerable residents — including children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions — avoid exposure and seek medical care if they experience trouble breathing.

Officials had not immediately released a cause for the fire. After incidents like this, investigators typically review possible ignition sources and any runoff concerns at recycling facilities. This story will be updated as officials and emergency crews release further information.