CLEARWATER, Fla – A fire at a Clearwater scrap recycling company is expected to burn for a long time after firefighters said Friday afternoon that leftover equipment from recent hurricanes had ignited.

It happened just before 12:15 p.m. at a facility on Gentry Drive and Clearwater Fire Rescue does not expect it to be put out any time soon.

READ: Hurricane Milton: Death toll rises as Florida recovers from damage

Fire officials want to remind residents that hazardous materials must be disposed of properly.

Equipment scrap is blamed for a fire at a scrap metal recycling plant in Clearwater. Image courtesy of Clearwater Fire Rescue.

Residents can bring hazardous chemicals and items to Pinellas County Garbage Collection for proper recycling and disposal.

Residents can pick up materials for free at the Household Hazardous Waste Center, 2855 109th Ave. N. deliver in St. Petersburg. Materials can be dropped off Tuesday through Friday and the first and third Saturday of the month from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

READ: Despite rumors on social media, there is no imminent tropical threat to Florida, according to Milton

Large lithium-ion batteries affected by the storm, such as car batteries, lawn mower batteries and e-bike batteries, must be disposed of through a private recycling company.

Household chemical collection events will be held throughout Pinellas County on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events are scheduled for October 12, 26, November 23 and December 14 at 29582 US 19 N., Clearwater.

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