No injuries reported in Orange Grove Center recycling fire

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.

By Kate Belz April 23, 2015 2 min read

Orange Grove members walk back to main center after all clear signal given earlier. Recycling center being ventilated pic.twitter.com/zPB1Ztke4r
— Kate Harrison Belz (@katebelz) April 22, 2015

Fire at Orange Grove has been put out, was on 2nd floor conveyer belt at recycling center pic.twitter.com/2E66e8LQjO
— Kate Harrison Belz (@katebelz) April 22, 2015

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.