August 22, 2025

Three-Alarm Fire at Liberty Recycle Scrapyard in Tampa

News Summary

A three-alarm fire at the Liberty Recycle scrapyard in Tampa led to the hospitalization of two firefighters due to heat exhaustion. Over 37 units from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue battled the blaze, which burned for approximately ten hours and involved hazardous materials common in scrapyards. Despite significant challenges, no surrounding buildings were damaged, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

Tampa, Florida

A three-alarm fire at the Liberty Recycle scrapyard in Tampa has resulted in two firefighters being hospitalized after showing signs of heat exhaustion. The incident took place on Thursday at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the facility located at 5207 St. Paul Street in the Palm River-Clair Mel area. Fortunately, both firefighters are currently in stable condition following their treatment.

Over 37 units from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (HCFR) were dispatched to combat the blaze, which generated large plumes of smoke that could be seen from miles away. The fire was fueled by a mix of materials commonly found in scrapyards, such as metals, rubber from tires, and potentially other hazardous substances, complicating the firefighting efforts.

Firefighters faced considerable challenges in extinguishing the fire due to hidden hotspots within the large piles of debris. Fire Chief Rob Herrin reported that the height of the scrap material stacked at the site ranged from 50 to 75 feet, indicating a deep-seated fire that required extensive operations to manage effectively. Heavy machinery was brought in to move the debris and provide better access to the main source of the fire.

Firefighting Challenges

As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, they also had to cool tanks of diesel fuel on site to prevent explosions. This precaution was critical in ensuring the safety of the crew and preventing further escalation of the fire. Additionally, fire crews briefly paused operations due to nearby lightning, but they quickly resumed their efforts to control the situation.

Incident Duration and Safety Measures

The firefighting efforts were lengthy, lasting approximately ten hours. Despite the intensity of the flames and the challenges presented, no surrounding buildings were threatened or damaged as a result of the fire. Safety measures and effective firefighting strategies helped in minimizing the potential impact on nearby structures.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials are interviewing witnesses and will conduct a thorough examination of the site once it is deemed safe to do so. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances that led to this significant incident and to implement any necessary safety measures to prevent future occurrences.

Conclusion

This incident highlights the risks faced by firefighting personnel during emergency responses, particularly in environments like scrapyards where unpredictable materials are present. The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue remains on alert as the situation unfolds and is actively processing the necessary steps to return the area to normalcy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Charter Boat Captain Killed in Road Rage Incident
Homicide Investigation Underway in Lutz, Florida
Hope on the Horizon: Trump Connects Zelenskyy with Putin Over Ukraine Conflict
Security Concerns Rise as TeleMessage Halts Operations After Hacks
Traffic Alerts Impacting Tampa Bay Area Commuters
Deputy Involved Shooting in Cooper City
Deputy Involved in Fatal Shooting in Cooper City
Crest Manor Assisted Living Facility Faces Emergency Suspension
Winter Haven Police Investigate Possible Abduction at Gas Station
Trump and Putin Summit Fails to Yield Progress on Ukraine

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit