Dubuque Firefighters Extinguish Recycling Blaze at Ditmer Facility

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters in Dubuque responded to a fire at the Ditmer Recycling facility on Radford Road on Thursday afternoon. The blaze involved a large pile of recycling materials inside the industrial building, but crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to the structure or equipment.

Why it matters

Recycling facilities can pose unique fire risks due to the flammable nature of the materials they handle. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety protocols and the quick response of local firefighters in protecting these types of industrial operations and the surrounding community.

The details

According to the Dubuque Fire Department, crews were called to the Ditmer Recycling facility around 3 PM on February 12th after an employee reported smoke coming from a large pile of recycling materials inside the building. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and a fire involving a 20-foot-high, 60-foot-long, and 50-foot-deep pile of recyclables. Crews stretched hose lines and applied water to stop the fire from spreading, while also searching the building and using thermal imaging to monitor hot spots. Facility personnel used a loader to pull apart the smoldering pile to provide better access for firefighters.

• On February 12, 2026, crews responded to the fire at around 3 PM.
• Firefighters were on the scene for an extended period to fully extinguish the blaze and ensure there were no further flare-ups.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Fire officials will likely investigate the cause of the blaze to determine if any safety improvements or procedural changes are needed at the Ditmer Recycling facility to prevent future incidents.