Recycling Yard Fire in Atwater Village Extinguished

A fire at a recycling yard in Atwater Village today burned for about five hours, sending flames and plumes of smoke skyward near the 5 and 134 freeways and forcing firefighters to pour water on the flames from the perimeter of the blaze.

The fire was reported about 5:20 p.m. at 4560 Doran St., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

That address corresponds to American Reclamation Inc., described on its website as "a family-owned waste collection and recycling company that has been operating for over 50 years."

Up to 90 firefighters battled the blaze from a defensive posture, using hose streams to "surround and drown" the flames, Nicholas Prange of the LAFD said.

"The flames have all been extinguished, with minor flare ups when the debris is turned over, revealing heat underneath," Prange said about 10:20 p.m. "Firefighters will continue to drown the pile throughout the night and companies will be brought in to rotate personnel periodically."

One firefighter sustained a minor injury, but no civilians were hurt and no structures were threatened, he said.

Residents and those at area businesses were advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Motorists were advised to turn off their air conditioners or modify settings to recirculate cabin air.