Firefighters from 11 departments have now sent manpower and equipment to the fire that started Thursday afternoon in Richland Hills. The fire at Advanced Foam Recycling was first reported around 12:30 Thursday.
Police have shut down Handley Ederville Road in both directions about two blocks south of Highway 121. People showing up for work at other businesses nearby Friday morning saw fire trucks still spraying water on the building.
"You can see it's still burning, and you can smell it. It's really strong," one man said.
"I learned in the navy, you have to make sure it's out because it could re-flash at any moment," another said.
Richland Hills Police Captain Sheena McEachran says crews had controlled the fire, but they would continue spraying water to prevent any hotspots from spreading.
"They've really worked well together, and they continue to rotate out to make sure the fire crews get some rest and get the downtime they need," McEachran says.
McEachran says the investigation for the cause will begin once there is no danger of additional hotspots.
"It took about 17-plus hours to get this fire finally out," she says. "We've been fortunate we've had all the help and support we've had."
In addition to ten other departments sending manpower and equipment, McEachran says Tarrant County and possibly federal agencies will join the investigation into the cause once the fire is extinguished. She says civilians have also brought food and water for firefighters.
The building was one story and 134,000 square feet. The recycling company has about 170 employees; three had minor injuries and should recover.
McEachran says firefighters do not yet have a timeline to reopen Handley Ederville.
