Fire in a Montclair, California, recycling facility spread to neighborhood homes on Monday, forcing authorities to evacuate other residences and businesses.
KTLA-TV reported that the fire happened in a mixed commercial and residential district about two miles south of Interstate 10. Along with the damage at the recycling facilities, two other homes were destroyed and another damaged, according to the television station.
The Daily Bulletin identified the business as Coast Metals. A person was reportedly transported from there to a local hospital after being overcome with smoke inhalation, noted Chris Hayes, the Upland/Montclair fire marshal.
"The wind took it to the trees, and it started going to the houses, and I started telling the people to evacuate," said Robert Gonzales who was at his aunt's house when the fire started at the business.
The Los Angeles Times reported that the fire started about 2 p.m. in the 4700 block of State Street and spread quickly, consuming old vehicles and trash, according to Rancho Cucamonga Fire District spokesman Kelly Donaldson.
"By 3 p.m., the flames had been raging for at least an hour and were spreading to nearby houses and vehicles … video showed," KTLA-TV wrote. "Several abandoned vehicles at an adjacent industrial yard were also engulfed in flames.
"Some firefighters were seen making their way through structures at the scene, while others doused the blaze with water from fire hoses and a water cannon mounted on a fire engine," the television station continued.
Fire officials told the Daily Bulletin that a nearby motel, a mobile home park, and 40 apartments were evacuated.
The Los Angeles Times wrote that firefighters across the region responded to assist the Montclair Fire Department. The Los Angeles and San Bernardino county fire departments joined the fight, as well as the fire departments from Ontario, Chino, Colton, Rialto, and Rancho Cucamonga.
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