By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

August 05, 2016 07:34:20 PM

MINNEAPOLIS (Scrap Monster):  An explosion caused a two-alarm fire Friday afternoon at a metal recycling plant. 

Fire officials with the Minneapolis department were called to Northern Metal Recycling, 2800 N. Pacific St., around 1:40 p.m. 

When firefighters arrived, smoke was coming out of the roof of the building. 

Workers told officials a small, localized explosion inside a processing hopper caused a flash fire through the roof stack. The material inside the hopper was ignited and the fire extended to the roof area. 

No one was injured in the fire. The building was evacuated for precaution but firefighters were able to knock down the existing fire quickly. 

Officials say a second alarm was called due to the size of the building and the potential need for additional support.

The official cause of the explosion and fire is still being investigated. The building suffered slight structural damage but estimates are not yet available. 

Courtesy: www.kare11.com