Midlothian steel mill scraps catch fire

The Ellis County Press

midlothian– Around 10 p.m. Memorial Day, a trash fire at the Gerdau Ameristeel Mill

on Ward Road, south of US 287 went out of control.

The trash fire at the mill caught a large pile of crushed vehicles on fire.

Fire officials said they had to move several piles of scrap metal to gain access to the fire.

As of press time Tuesday afternoon, the fire continues to burn. No injuries have been reported.

According to Gerdau Ameristeel, they operate 19 steel mills around the United States.

Gerdau’s corporate office said they have been in contact with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and that there is no threat to the health or safety of motorists or area residents.

According to TCEQ, people living in the area, who are sensitive to the smoke in the atmosphere and experience breathing difficulty are urged to close their windows.