Fire at West Palm Beach metal recycling facility closes portion of Okeechobee Road

Blaze at scrap yard believed to be accidental, no injuries reported

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A fire broke out at a metal recycling facility in downtown West Palm Beach on Thursday afternoon, prompting authorities to close a portion of Okeechobee Road. The West Palm Beach Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of Okeechobee Rd. around 1:15 p.m. and were able to bring the single-alarm fire under control, with no reported injuries. Officials believe the blaze was accidental, starting when the facility was processing a scrap vehicle.

Why it matters

Metal recycling facilities can pose fire risks due to the flammable materials and equipment involved. The closure of a major road like Okeechobee also disrupts traffic flow in the downtown area. This incident highlights the need for proper safety protocols and emergency response plans at such industrial facilities.

The details

According to the West Palm Beach Police Department, the fire started when the recycling facility was processing a scrap vehicle. Firefighters had to contend with a large amount of scrap metal at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities believe it was an accidental blaze.

  • The fire was reported around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

West Palm Beach Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the fire incident.

West Palm Beach Fire Department

The local fire department that brought the single-alarm fire under control at the metal recycling facility.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures and emergency preparedness at industrial facilities that handle flammable materials. The quick response from local authorities helped mitigate the impact of the fire, but it serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by metal recycling operations in urban areas.