Crews remain on the scene of a fire that broke out at a plastics recycling plant early Tuesday morning in Northampton County.
Two hundred firefighters from Monroe, Northampton and Lehigh counties have been battling the enormous fire at the Nicos Polymer Group plastic plant in Belfast.
"Right now this is probably the largest operation in my memory and in recent years in the county where we've used such considerable resources," said Northampton County EMA Director Bob Mateff.
The biggest issue is the water supply to battle the blaze. Dozens of departments are bringing in tanker trucks and also using water from nearby lakes and streams because the hydrants can't keep up with the demand.
"This is our 20th tank already. We've been here since 7:30 a.m. It holds 2,800 gallons a tank," said Jeff Knitter of West End Fire Company.
"We're happy to assist anybody who calls us, wherever it's needed," said William Rake of Marshalls Creek Volunteer Fire Company.
The blaze has been roaring since before 5 a.m.
A neighbor who lives near the Nicos plant said she heard a loud boom early Tuesday morning.
"I was sound asleep this morning about 5:30 a.m. and an explosion that just shook the house, the bed, the windows, and then by 6 a.m. when I looked out it was just engulfed," said neighbor Lucinda Hockberry.
The Northampton County Emergency Management agency said workers were inside the building when the fire sparked and the facility was immediately evacuated.
One family living near the plant was forced from their home because of the heavy smoke.
One of the main concerns is making sure the firefighters stay safe.
"We do rotate the firefighters out, monitor their vital signs and make sure they're able to go back in and not have any medical problems prior to them going back into the scene of the fire," said A.J. Olszewski of the Plainfield Township Fire Department.
The nearby community has pitched in to help the firefighters stay fueled. Several local businesses have donated dozens of pizzas, cases of water and Gatorade to make sure the firefighters are fed and hydrated.
Emergency officials were also delivering water and wet towels to firefighters in need. Some firefighters were cooling off in the shade.
The North Penn Goodwill Service from Montgomery County were also on hand. They got dispatched Tuesday morning. Their mission is to feed the firefighters as long as needed.
"We've gone through almost 400 sandwiches already, water, coffee, limeade. I think well be here quite a while yet," said Charlie Seitz of North Penn Goodwill Service.
Fire departments are bringing in tankers and also using water from area streams and ponds to help put out the stubborn fire.
"The public water system can't handle our water flows so we're bringing in tankers from four other counties. DEP is monitoring the air in the surrounding areas. As far away as the Easton area to monitor the air, and all the water is being contained from the runoff," said Plainfield Township Fire Chief Greg Dawe.
No one was hurt. The state police fire marshal is at the plant investigating. So is the department of environmental protection air quality and water run off. They say so far everything appears to be okay.
