What the Miami Scrap Yard Fire Teaches Us: Safety First in Metal Recycling

Published by AMTD Scrap Recycling | www.amtdscrap.com

On April 10, 2025, a massive fire broke out at the Ferrous Processing & Trading scrap metal facility in Northwest Miami-Dade. Located near Miami International Airport, the fire sent thick, black smoke billowing into the air, visible for miles. Over 45 units from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, including hazmat teams and fireboats, were deployed to contain the blaze.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but this event sends a strong message to the entire scrap and recycling industry: safety and fire prevention protocols must always be a top priority.

🔥 What Happened?

According to CBS Miami, a call was received around 11:30 a.m. regarding heavy smoke and fire from a pile of scrap metal. By the time crews arrived, the fire had already spread across the site. Despite a quick and large-scale emergency response, the fire continued burning into the afternoon.

While the exact cause is still unknown, the fire occurred in a high-risk environment—a facility full of potentially flammable materials like shredded metal, oil residue, and even batteries that may have entered the stream undetected.

🚨 Why Scrap Facilities Are Fire-Prone

The nature of the scrap metal industry means we work with:

• Combustible dust from shredding operations
• Flammable residues on metal (oils, fuels, lubricants)
• Improperly sorted materials (e.g., lithium batteries or pressurized canisters)
• Hot work (welding, cutting) near combustible piles
• High equipment temperatures and friction

All it takes is a single spark or chemical reaction to ignite a fire, especially in warm, dry conditions like those in Florida.

✅ What We Can Learn — And Do Better

As a fellow operator in the scrap industry, AMTD Scrap is committed to applying lessons from this incident and continuously reviewing our protocols. Here’s what we and others in the industry must take seriously:

1. Material Inspection

• All incoming loads must be visually and mechanically inspected for batteries, pressurized containers, and flammable fluids.
• Clear “no battery” and “no hazardous waste” signage should be posted.

2. Firebreaks and Pile Management

• Keep piles at regulated heights and volumes.
• Create physical firebreaks between piles to prevent rapid spread.

3. Employee Training

• All staff should receive regular fire prevention and emergency response training.
• Regular drills help ensure calm and efficient reactions.

4. Proper Equipment Maintenance

• Ensure shredder, conveyor, and loader equipment are cleaned regularly and inspected for overheating risks.
• Keep fire extinguishers and fire blankets accessible near machinery.

5. On-Site Fire Suppression Readiness

• Facilities should invest in overhead sprinkler systems or foam suppression units in high-risk zones.
• Install temperature sensors or infrared monitoring for early detection.

🚫 Lessons for the Public: Drop-Off Safety

This incident also impacted everyday customers, some of whom were turned away or concerned for loved ones working onsite. If you’re planning to bring scrap to a recycling facility, make sure to:

• Never include batteries, aerosol cans, or containers with fluids in your load.
• Drain all oil and fuel before bringing in any metal parts.
• Follow staff instructions and remain in designated drop-off areas.

💡 Our Commitment at AMTD Scrap

At AMTD Scrap, safety is non-negotiable. We:

• Inspect and sort all incoming materials rigorously
• Maintain strict safety zones and pile protocols
• Train our staff on NFPA and OSHA standards
• Work with local fire departments on prevention plans

This tragic event in Miami-Dade is a sobering reminder of our responsibility in the metal recycling industry. Let’s stay proactive, alert, and committed to protecting our teams, our communities, and our environment.

Need more information about safe scrap disposal?
Visit us at 👉 www.AMTDSCRAP.com or email us at info@amtdscrap.com.

Stay safe. Recycle smart.
— The AMTD Scrap Team