Large Fire At Radcliff Scrap Yard Shuts Down South Dixie Boulevard

A large fire broke out Monday at Edwards Recycling in Radcliff, Kentucky, prompting a multi-agency emergency response that briefly closed South Dixie Boulevard. Crews from the Radcliff and Vine Grove fire departments converged on the scrap yard at the 2500 block of South Dixie Boulevard, also known as US 31W, to battle the blaze as fire hoses stretched across the roadway.

Firefighters from the Radcliff and Vine Grove fire departments responded to the scene Monday, according to reports. The road was briefly closed because firefighters had placed hoses across the highway. WDRB reported that officials said no evacuations were necessary as crews battled the fire.

A Longtime Local Scrap Business

Edwards Recycling, formally registered as Edwards Auto & Scrap Metal Recycling LLC, has served Radcliff since 2006 and is listed in the 2500 block of South Dixie Highway, according to the station's report. The business is also associated with Allen Edwards, according to the station's report. The same account mentions Deedie Edwards and Kerry Edwards.

The Radcliff and Vine Grove fire departments operate main stations roughly two miles apart in northern Hardin County, per Station Boss data on the region's fire jurisdictions. Both departments responded to the scrap yard fire on Monday.

Why Scrap Yard Fires Are Especially Stubborn

The Scrap Yard Fire Firefighters battled the blaze at Edwards Recycling, a scrap yard.

The Recycling Sector Edwards Recycling is part of the recycling sector.

The recycling sector Edwards Recycling operates in the recycling sector.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there were more than 240 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at 64 facilities between 2013 and 2020. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says lithium batteries pose a fire hazard to waste management workers and collection facilities when disposed of in the municipal waste stream.

Recent Local Fire Concerns

Monday's fire follows a period of heightened fire awareness in Hardin County. Last November, Hoodline reported three structure fires in 24 hours and discussed outdoor-burning risks in Hardin County.

Key details about Monday's blaze remain unknown, including the specific cause of ignition, whether any workers were injured, and which material pile was involved. WDRB indicated it would continue updating the story as more information became available.