Recycling Yard Fire Sends Smoke Billowing Over Griffith Park

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — A fire burning at a recycling yard in Atwater Village sent black plumes of smoke over the Griffith Park area Friday afternoon.

The small blaze, affecting about 100 square-feet broke out in the 4500 block of West Doran Street shortly before 5:30 p.m., triggering fears of another wildfire for drivers seeing the smoke above the Ventura (134) Freeway during rush hour. That address corresponds to American Reclamation Inc., described on its website as "a family-owned waste collection and recycling company that has been operating for over 50 years."

The blaze was not threatening any structures, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Nicholas Prange.

As of 6:25 p.m., there were 75 firefighters working to "surround and drown" the fire with water. The fire department advised residents and businesses to keep doors and windows closed and stay indoors.

The firefight continued more than 90 minutes after the blaze was reported.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or structures threatened but crews would likely be involved in an extended operation, Prange said.

Residents and those at area businesses were advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Motorists were advised to turn off their air conditioners or modify settings to recirculate cabin air.

City News Service contributed to this report.