Multi-alarm fire breaks out at Spring Valley recycling center

SPRING VALLEY (KUSI) — Crews aggressively attacked a fire at a recycling center Tuesday morning that left one firefighter injured and two homes damaged in Spring Valley, but their work was far from over, CalFire said.

Approximately 40 firefighters from CalFire and Heartland Fire worked quickly to ensure the fire at Certified Documents Storage Recycling at the intersection of Helix Rd. and Bancroft Dr. did not spread, CalFire Batt. Chief John Kiszka said.

But Kiszka estimated that crews had about 6 hours left of work to do to make sure the bales of paper and cardboard — stacked approximately 30 to 40 feet high — did not reignite.

“It’s going to be a long day but thankfully we have some cooler temperatures,” Kiszka said.

One firefighter suffered possible fractures to his shoulder and leg after a bale fell on top of him, but he never lost consciousness, Kiszka said.

The fire continued to threaten surrounding homes and left two damaged but Kiszka called it “not a total loss.”

Additional fire crews were being sent in and San Diego Gas & Electric and Sheriff’s Deputies were also on site to assist with operations.