CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Piles of burning scrap in west Charlotte sent a plume of black smoke into the air in west Charlotte on Monday.
Shortly before 4 p.m., the Charlotte Fire Department responded to the fire, at Southern Metals Scrap Yard near the intersection of Wilkinson Boulevard and Donald Ross Road.
Charlotte Fire said around 40 firefighters battled the blaze Monday for roughly two hours. Crews worked with the business to use large equipment to douse the piles with water.
Air quality control and storm water services monitored the situation on scene because of the concern for air quality.
"It's old cars and the company does a good job of making sure fuel tanks are empty," Charlotte Fire Captain Jackie Gilmore said. "But there may have been residual fuel in the lines."
Gilmore pointed out that shifting winds created more of an issue with the smoke from the scrap yard.
A live camera view from WCNC Charlotte's tower camera showed the smoke plume carrying upwards and across portions of the Charlotte sky.
Winds were blowing smoke across portions of west Charlotte. At nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport, weather observation equipment was measuring winds around 13 mph from the south, which would carry the smoke north.
WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said air quality measurements in the area showed poor air quality as the fire burned. Those with respiratory issues were urged to remain indoors or try to leave the area until the air quality improved.
No injuries were reported, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.
Additional gusty winds early Tuesday morning have meteorologists concerned that additional fires could be easily spread in the windy, dry conditions.
Residents are encouraged to postpone any burning from noon through 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Contact Colin Mayfield at cmayfield@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.