TAMPA, FL — On March 19th, just after 3:20 PM, Tampa Fire Rescue responded to a reported trash fire at a recycled metals facility located in the 4800 block of N. Hesperides Street in the Drew Park area of Tampa, adjacent to Tampa International Airport. 

While en route, multiple responding companies reported seeing a significant column of smoke from miles away. First-arriving Engine 12 found a large scrap metal pile fully involved, with massive flames threatening nearby exposures. Firefighters deployed both ground and aerial operations to aggressively attack the fire. 

Facility workers assisted crews by using heavy equipment to move scrap piles, improving access and allowing firefighters to reach and extinguish deep-seated areas of fire. The blaze was brought under control within 50 minutes. 

There were no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Tampa Fire Marshal’s Office investigators.