Shelter-in-place prompted by recycling facility fire in north Houston lifted

HOUSTON – A shelter-in-place order has been lifted for residents within a half-mile radius of a trash fire at a recycling facility on Houston’s north side, according to the Houston Fire Department

The fire was reported just before 4 p.m. at Independent Texas Recyclers near the corner of Irvington Boulevard and Bennington Street.

Houston fire Chief Sam Peña said the smoke from the fire is not quickly dissipating. He said the shelter-in-place has been issued to keep people from breathing the smoke.

Peña said no evacuations were ordered.

Houston firefighters said the fire has not spread to any buildings and they are working to contain the blaze. More than 30 fire units have responded to the scene.

Both Houston Public Works and the Houston Health Department are conducting air- and water-quality checks.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

No injuries have been reported.

Peña said fire crews will likely be at the scene for the rest of the night.