Explosion Sparked Fire At Recycling Center

Shredder Malfunction Cited As Cause

POSTED: 7:07 am EDT April 1, 2007
UPDATED: 5:22 pm EDT April 1, 2007

BOSTON -- Environmental officials reported no evidence of air quality hazards Sunday from a fire at a waste treatment facility in Rochester.

The fire at the SEMASS Resource Recovery Facility on the Cranberry highway produced thick, acrid smoke after it began Saturday night. An explosion in a garbage shredder is believed to have caused the fire.

Rochester fire officials said the fire has been brought control, but crews remained at the scene to extinguish any hot spots.

Nearby residents initially were advised to seal their windows and doors with tape and stay indoors.

Jim Muscato, director of field services for the Plymouth sheriff's office, said experts will continue to test the air quality around the fire site.

In a statement, the company said " (we) want to ensure local residents that there will be no power disruption for those homes that receive electricity from this facility."

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