No injuries reported in Orange Grove Center recycling fire

April 23, 2015 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated April 23, 2015 at 10:56 a.m.

by Kate Belz

Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Orange Grove Center's recycling complex Wednesday, April 22, 2015, in Chattanooga.
Firefighters work the scene of a fire at the Orange Grove Center's recycling complex Wednesday, April 22, 2015, in Chattanooga.

Every month, hundreds of people from the Orange Grove Center file outside for a fire drill. In a facility that serves approximately 1,000 people with a range of disabilities, such drills are a priority, director of development Heidi Hoffecker said.

On Wednesday afternoon, that training was tested as a conveyor belt in Orange Grove's large recycling center suddenly caught fire. The blaze spread to plastic- and petroleum-made recyclables, sending plumes of toxic smoke through the facility's second floor.

Hoffecker said about 88 people work at any given time in the center, which processes all of Chattanooga's curbside recycling. All workers got out of the building quickly and safely as the rest of the campus - which includes therapeutic, educational and vocational services for those with disabilities - was evacuated. No injuries were reported.

"Everyone was out of the building when we got there," said Chattanooga Fire Department Capt. Wadie Suttles. "The smoke inside the building was very thick and toxic, so it was good the employees got out as quickly as they did."

Firefighters carried in hand-held hose lines and had to search through black smoke to locate the blaze. It took firefighters with six fire companies roughly 20 minutes to get the fire under control.

The cause of the fire will be ruled accidental, department spokesman Bruce Garner said.

Employees with Orange Grove told firefighters that contractors were using an acetylene torch to install a new conveyor belt, and it is believed that heat or sparks from the torch sparked the fire.

Damage was limited to the area around the conveyor belt, but it may take some time for Orange Grove to clean up smoke and water damage, Garner said.

Hoffecker said it was unclear when the facility would be fully operational again, but said the damage would "not notably slow operations."

Contact staff writer Kate Belz at kbelz@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.

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