DNR finds no environmental concerns at site

By Press Staff

HOWARD – Firefighters from Howard and other area fire departments were called to the scene of a fire reported shortly after 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, at Alter Metal Recycling at 2175 Badgerland Drive.

According to a press release from the village of Howard, an initial report of two vehicles on fire was quickly updated to four vehicles on fire.

When fire crews arrived at the scene, they were directed to the rear of the metal recycling facility, where black smoke and flames could be seen coming from piles of automobiles and other recyclable materials approximately 20-30 feet high.

Firefighters knocked down the flames to prevent adjacent buildings from being damaged by fire.

Though the black smoke, which could be seen miles away from the facility, initially caused some traffic concerns, the press release noted a strong breeze that morning helped to dissipate the smoke.

Two large cranes with magnetic claw-type grabbers were used to dissemble the piles of debris as firefighters extinguished the burning materials with water.

Four Howard Fire units were assisted by Suamico Fire, Pulaski Tri-County Fire, Howard Police and County Rescue Services. Crews were on the scene until around 3:10 p.m. Monday.

One firefighter, reported to have sustained a minor ankle injury, was treated at the scene and released.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was contacted and determined there was no immediate environmental concerns at the site of the fire, according to the press release.

The cause of the fire is undetermined with no dollar loss available at this time.