Investigation Continues into Cause of Hayward Scrap Yard Fire

Fire investigators today are still looking into what caused a one-alarm fire Saturday at a scrap metal yard in Hayward that sent thick smoke into the air and prompted nearby residents to take shelter inside their homes.

Related article: Hayward Scrap Yard on Fire
 
The fire was reported around 1:40 p.m. Saturday at the Sims Metal Management scrap metal yard at 30104 Industrial Parkway SW, according to Hayward fire Capt. Don Nichelson.
 
The blaze started in a pile of discarded metal appliances that included washers and dryers, refrigerators and a barbecue grill, Nichelson said. Crews had the fire under control in about 20 minutes, he said. The blaze sent a thick plume of smoke billowing into the air and prompted a shelter-in-place advisory for residents in the surrounding area.
 
No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported. Nichelson said fire investigators still aren't sure what caused the fire but said a review of footage from the facility's security cameras didn't reveal any signs of foul play. Jill Rodby, a spokeswoman for Sims Metal Management's Hayward receiving yard, said the fire happened when the facility was closed and no workers were around.
 
She said the company is conducting its own investigation into the cause of the fire and will "look at what needs to be done going forward" to prevent future fires at the scrap yard. Sims Metal Management came under scrutiny after two fires broke out in two months at its Redwood City metal recycling plant last year.

The company agreed to implement new fire prevention policies following the blazes. One of those fires was determined to be arson, according to Redwood City fire and police officials.
 
A 2009 fire at Sims's Hayward scrap yard was also deemed suspicious, Rodby said. In addition to the Redwood City and Hayward facilities, the company also operates a scrap metal recycling yard in Richmond.

—By Bay City News