Damage from North Las Vegas recycling plant fire pegged at $2 million

By Nikki Villoria

Published Thursday, June 16, 2011 | 7:18 p.m.

Updated Thursday, June 16, 2011 | 9:54 p.m.

A fire at a North Las Vegas recycling plant Thursday evening caused about $2 million in damage, officials said.

The fire sent a plume of smoke into the air that was visible across the Las Vegas Valley.

Firefighters responded at 6:41 p.m. after receiving multiple calls about a fire at the Republic Services recycling complex at 333 W. Gowan St. near the intersection of West Cheyenne Avenue and North Commerce Street.

Fire department spokesman Cedric Williams said flames were shooting about 50 feet into the air when firefighters arrived. Inside, they found several large bales of plastic that had caught fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of smoking material and the blaze was deemed to be accidental in nature.

Employees had evacuated the area when the fire started, authorities said. No one was injured.

The fire did extensive damage to large bundles of plastic as well as mechanical equipment and a street light.

The fire took about 25 minutes to extinguish, Williams said. Firefighters stayed at the scene Thursday night to look for any additional hot spots.

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue assisted North Las Vegas firefighters. Williams said 13 units and more than 40 firefighters responded to the fire.