Fire, explosion at hazmat recycling center closes Newlands Drive

A fire caused an explosion at a hazardous materials recycling business in the industrial park late Thursday afternoon. The fire started outside Clean Earth, at about 4:30 p.m. Crews were able to get the fire out in about an hour, but water used to put out the fire mixed with hazardous materials at the site caused hazardous gases to be released into the air.

Newlands Drive was shut down from Lyon Drive to Nevada Pacific Parkway. No civilian injuries were reported, but two firefighters suffered minor injuries. They were treated at the scene and were able to resume fighting the fire.

The Nevada National Guard hazmat team responded to the scene to assist, along with Storey County Fire Department. The Nevada Sate Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident.