Scrap metal pile in Elgin catches fire

A fire at a scrap metal company in northwest suburban Elgin burned for more than two and hours Friday afternoon.

Elgin firefighters first responded to Acme Refining Scrap Iron Co. at 1255 Gifford Rd. at 11:21 a.m. on reports of a fire, according to a statement from the city of Elgin.

They found a large pile of scrap metal on fire, and called in firefighters from several neighboring villages to keep the flames contained.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire in about two and a half hours, the statement said. Acme workers also assisted by using heavy machinery to break up the pile.

The fire started accidentally while employees were working with the material, officials said. The blaze is not under further investigation.

No one was injured, and no damage estimate was available Friday afternoon.