Breaking News

Fire engulfs Ghent recycling center

Photo WRGB

The Columbia County Sheriff's Dept. said at 7 a.m. that anyone within a 15-mile radius of the incident should cancel outdoor activities and remain indoors until further notice, while state officials conduct air quality tests. This includes Nassau and Schodack.

Fire broke out just before 10:30, at the TCI building at 39 Falls Industrial Park Road in Ghent. TCI recycles transformers and the hazardous materials inside are forcing firefighters to pull back and let it burn.Roads in that area have been closed down and residents are being asked to stay inside their home and turn off their air conditioners. County Health Department Officials add that if anyone in the area experiences symptoms such as eye irritation, difficulty breathing, choking or coughing to seek medical attention.

Residents in Columbia and Southern Rensselaer Counties tell us they're receiving emergency robo-phone calls, which ask them to stay inside for 12 hours, and keep their air conditioners turned off.

At least six fire companies are responding, along with a HAZMAT crew.

According to their website, TCI provides "environmentally safe disposal of oil filled and drained electrical equipment."

The West Ghent Volunteer Fire Company reported on their Facebook page that they were fighting the blaze with the help of fire departments out of Claverack, Ghent, Stockport, Stottville, and Stuyvesant Falls. Units from Livingston and Niverville were also requested to the scene, they posted. Crews from Clinton Heights were asked to assist with their foam trailer.