Crews respond to fire at plastic storage facility in Mesa Del Sol

Spencer Schacht | KOB

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue crews responded to a large fire at a plastic storage facility in Mesa Del Sol Sunday.

The city issued a warning for people to avoid the area and stay inside, and keep windows and doors closed.

Officials say the fire started at 5301 Hawking Drive SE Sunday. With unpredictable winds, fire crews faced huge flames and dark, toxic smoke at the Atkore facility.

That smoke could be seen from downtown Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas.

Reps with AFR and BCFR said it was a miracle no one was hurt. The only evacuations needed were for the Atkore workers. However, there was major damage to the building, equipment, and generator.

The fire fight officially ended at noon Monday, but arson investigators are still trying to figure out how the fire began. They did nail down the origin – a charred car, parked near the building.

Fire crews say it’s up to the business owner to handle clean-up now, but they will likely have to involve the state’s Environmental Department because of all the toxins.

As of Monday morning, Bernalillo County is no longer under an air quality alert.

Stay with KOB 4 Eyewitness News and KOB.com for updates.

Photo courtesy: Cody Ozmun