DETROIT – Detroit firefighters put out an industrial fire on the city’s east side early Monday morning inside the Aevitas Specialty Services facility, which recycles oil and treats waste.
The trouble began around 2:30 a.m. when workers noticed smoke and steam billowing from the building, followed by the smell of burning rubber.
Shortly thereafter, they heard a bang. The workers notified their supervisors and initiated an emergency shutdown procedure when the fire broke out.
“There was active fire and smoke, heavy smoke coming from the facility. Immediately, when the crews got here, they called for a second alarm,” Detroit Fire Chief Michael Borg said.
As the employees scrambled to safety, the fire intensified, creating a massive mess in the streets and potentially compromising air quality.
Borg said some oil from the facility leaked onto the roadway, and the full cleanup could take anywhere between 24 to 72 hours.
Hazmat teams were on site, and officials were conducting air monitoring of the scene.
The air quality was a particular concern, given the facility’s recent history.
Three times in the last seven years – in 2018, 2020, and 2022 – the state has cited Aevitas for level 3 complaints regarding the odors emanating from the facility.
The most recent complaint from EGLE’s air quality division was addressed to CEO Robert Slater in October 2022, stating that the smell was considered Level 3 – which is “moderate to strong”-and was impacting the entire neighborhood.
Typically, in the event of an odor violation, inspectors return to verify if it has been corrected. There was no follow-up violation.
No employees were injured in the fire, while one firefighter suffered a back injury and was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where they are expected to recover.
Local 4 reached out to Aevitas for comment on the fire and the violations. A voicemail message said the business was closed today.