Crews Battle Blaze at El Monte Recycling Yard

Third-alarm fire breaks out at industrial facility in Los Angeles County

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Firefighters are working to extinguish a major fire that erupted at a recycling yard in El Monte, California. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene around 2:30 pm and the blaze was quickly elevated to a third-alarm fire as of 3:11 pm.

Why it matters

Recycling facilities often contain large amounts of flammable materials, making them vulnerable to dangerous fires that can threaten nearby buildings and communities. Fires at these sites can also release toxic fumes and pollutants into the air, posing health risks.

The details

According to fire officials, the blaze broke out in the 2200 block of N. Tyler Ave. in El Monte. Crews are still working to bring the third-alarm fire under control as of the latest updates. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but recycling facilities are at high risk for these types of incidents due to the nature of the materials stored on-site.

  • The fire was first reported around 2:30 pm on January 28, 2026.
  • As of 3:11 pm, the fire had been elevated to a third-alarm incident.

The players

Los Angeles County Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and is working to extinguish the blaze at the El Monte recycling yard.

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What’s next

Firefighters will continue working to bring the fire under control and investigate the cause of the incident. Nearby residents may be advised to shelter in place or avoid the area due to potential air quality concerns.

The takeaway

Fires at recycling facilities pose serious risks to public safety and the environment, highlighting the need for robust safety protocols and emergency response plans at these types of industrial sites.