Let's not contrive a crony-driven disaster at our Celery Fields

Breaking news -- see WWSB Video at site

Two-alarm fire at metal and recycling 

plant sends large plume 

of smoke over Sarasota

By Kamara Daughtry | November 12, 2018 at 2:06 PM EST - Updated November 12 at 3:19 PM

SARASOTA (WWSB) - If you were driving in Sarasota on Monday, you may have seen a large plume of smoke coming from the University and 301 area.

A two-alarm fire started at Suncoast Metals on 51st Street, a metal and recycling plant. The fire started in a pile of rubble and was caused by friction. Fire officials say as the items in the pile rubbed against one another while being pushed and pulled, it got hot enough to start a blaze.

Deputies are assisting with traffic on the scene of an industrial fire near 51st Street and Middle Avenue in Sarasota. You may see smoke nearby; please avoid the area. (Sarasota County Sheriff's Office)

Nearby buildings were evacuated out of caution as crews fought the fire. After the visible flames were out, machinery was used to separate the pile to ensure there were no smaller fires still burning in the pile.

The fire is now out.

The photo below from Kirsten Ketchum Barat shows the massive plume of smoke rising as firefighters battled the blaze:

Fire at metal and recycling plant from Kirsten Ketchum Barat (Source: Kirsten Ketchum Barat)

Copyright 2018 WWSB. All rights reserved.