Videos: Fire Crews Battle Massive Blaze At Charlotte Auto Scrapyard

Fire crews battled a massive blaze at a Charlotte auto scrapyard Monday.  There were no injuries, but the fire sent billowing smoke into the air and prompted safety warnings.

It happened at Southern Metals on Donald Ross Road.  According to Charlotte Fire Department officials, it took 40 firefighters around two hours to bring the large fire under control.  Charlotte Fire posted amazing videos on their Twitter feed, showing ladder trucks showering the heap of burning cars with water:

The fire was so large that Charlotte Water officials increased water pressure in the area to help fire crews douse the flames.  Warnings about low-lying smoke were issued.  Residents were asked to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution.

“Anytime you have smoke conditions it is hazardous,” said Charlotte Fire Captain Jackie Gilmore at a media conference late Monday.  “But again, due to the wind conditions and the shifting of the wind. We did have some concerns.”

Donald Ross Road was closed in both directions for several hours.  According to WSOC-TV, fire officials believe the blaze may have been started by sparks caused by metal being moved.

A smoky haze was reported in many areas of Charlotte around nightfall, including north into the University Area and as far south as Ballantyne.