Emergency crews investigating large fire at recycle center in Huntersville

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Firefighters are investigating the cause of a massive fire at a recycling center in Huntersville Sunday afternoon.

The fire started just after 3 p.m. at the Mecklenburg Recycle Center off Old Statesville Road.

When Huntersville firefighters got to the center, they said they saw a pile of construction material on fire such as paper, wood and plastic and it was quickly spreading to a "flammable building."

Officials said they needed to use "big water" in order to stop the fire progression.

Even when the fire stopped progressing, firefighters spent several more hours working to extinuish it completely and work hot-spots.

Bill Suthard from the Huntersville Fire Department told Channel 9 they also used the help of off-duty county employees to fight the fire.

"The biggest problem that we had was we gotta clean and clear and cool the entire pile," Suthard said. "Fortunately, the Mecklenburg Recycle Center activated their county employees, they got here on scene as quick as they could and use their heavy equipment to break up the pile.

Firefighters have not said what was inside the recycling pile that may have sparked the fire. The recycling center was closed at the time of the fire so no injuries were reported.

The fire department said there is also no health risk or air quality issues continuing because of the fire.

Statesville Road was closed between Hambright and Mount Holly-Huntersville roads while crews worked and used a hydrant across from the center.

No other information has been released.

This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information. 

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