Fire Crews Continue Battling Recycling Center Blaze

Fire crews are continuing to battle a fire that broke out at Scott Recycling on Vernor Avenue in Newport. That is right behind the Jefferson Cocke County Utility Districts office. Scott Recycling recycled electronics and there was alot of plastic in that building, which has proven to be the challenging part of battling that blaze. As firefighters douse the flames with water, more flames pop up because of the plastic.

According to the Cocke County Emergency Management Agency, Every single Emergency Response Agency in Cocke County and Newport City have responded to help fight this fire as well as several other agencies from surrounding countries. Newport City Fire Chief Jeremy Shelton says that the fire is under control but could burn all day today.

That fire was reported around 9pm last night by a Newport Police officer and several in the area who called 911. The cause of that fire is not known, but that investigation will commence once the blaze is completely extinguished. Fire trucks are still using Hwy 25E for access to the site. Police and fire are asking motorists to stay off of Hwy 25E unless travel is necessary.