Massive, smoky fire at Doral renewable energy plant under investigation
MIAMI - The equivalent of two football fields of trash has burned at a Miami-Dade waste to energy facility in Doral.
The fire at the Covanta site, at NW 70th Street and NW 97th Avenue, started at a little after 2 p.m. on Sunday. It quickly spread and involved four buildings.
More than 200 firefighters have been involved in putting out the blaze.
No injuries have been reported.
Officials said a conveyor belt may have started the fire, but that is still under investigation.
Fire officials say they are doing constant air quality checks, and so far, tests have come out clear.
The renewable energy facility has been a controversial spot for nearby residents.
"I think it's concerning for the residents living in Doral. Just the fact that you don't know if that is going to explode one day. Right now nothing happened but we have houses, schools, everything near the place," said Diego Godoy.
According to Covanta's website, its facility in Doral "is an award-winning Waste-to-Energy Facility. The Facility is owned by Miami-Dade County and serves county residents with reliable and sustainable waste management."
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a statement asking residents who live in the area to remain indoors if they can until the smoke clears.