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Westport MA fire: Massive blaze visible from Fall River and New Bedford Harbor
Thick smoke can reportedly be seen for miles, with sightings from areas including Fall River and New Bedford Harbor.
Update: A fire broke out Monday at Mid City Scrap Metal in Westport, Massachusetts, sending large plumes of smoke into the air near State Road along Route 6.
The Westport Board of Health issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents along Davis Road, from State Road to Old Bedford Road. Officials also urged residents to close all windows and shut off air conditioning units due to air quality concerns.
Route 6 has been closed in both directions between Route 88 and Gifford Road, with Westport police on scene directing traffic away from the area. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said westbound Route 6 will remain closed at State Road for several hours, and drivers are advised to seek alternate routes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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In a statement posted on Facebook, Mid City Scrap Metal said no injuries were reported.
"Thank you, Westport, for the outpouring of support today- it truly means more than you know.
Many of you are aware of the fire at our Westport facility. We're grateful to report that all team members are safe and accounted for, with no injuries.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Westport Fire Department and all mutual aid crews. Your swift, professional response made all the difference.
We are working closely with local authorities and will keep everyone posted as we make progress.
Thank you for standing with us."
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is on scene conducting air quality monitoring. In a statement to NBC 10, the agency said it is working alongside other state and local partners.
"The Department of Environmental Protection and other state agencies have been on site to provide support to Westport responders, including the Fire Department. MassDEP will continue to monitor the situation and work with all partners to analyze and address any impacts from the fire."
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Initial report: A large fire is reportedly burning at Mid City Scrap Metal, located at 548 State Road in Westport, Massachusetts.
According to local fire spotters and scanner traffic, the blaze appears to be a significant outdoor fire involving scrap materials.
Thick smoke can reportedly be seen for miles, with sightings from areas including Fall River and New Bedford Harbor.
There are no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage beyond the outdoor scrap piles.
