At approximately 8:15 a.m., on Tuesday May 24, 2023, a fire was reported in the outdoor cardboard recycle area at Republic Waste Services in the 2000 block of College Dr. The employees discovered smoke coming from the cardboard recycle piles and called 911.  The first arriving fire company reported two large cardboard piles on fire and a third pile as an exposure. Three Engine Companies, one Truck Company, and a Deputy Chief responded to the fire and gained control of the fire in two hours.

There were no reported injuries to the firefighters however two employees of the noted business went to the hospital by private vehicle, due to smoke inhalation. Desert Hills Fire Department moved up to Lake Havasu City to assist with other 911 calls during the incident. Crews remained on the scene an additional 30 minutes conducting overhaul operations. The cause of the fire was not determined at the time of the press release.

Lake Havasu City Fire Department wants to remind all residents about the importance of recycling materials to help reduce the risk of fires. Did you know that many fires are caused by improper disposal of materials like batteries, electronics, and chemicals? By recycling these items at a designated recycle center, we can help prevent these dangerous situations from occurring. Let's all do our part to keep our communities safe and clean by recycling responsibly. Thank you!