Firefighter hospitalized after industrial fire at Detroit recycling plant

On June 30, 2025, an industrial fire broke out at Aevitas Specialty Services in Detroit, USA. The incident was discovered at approximately 2:30 a.m. by two workers who noticed a pop and explosion while unloading materials. Unable to control the fire, they evacuated the facility and immediately called for emergency assistance. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered thick black smoke billowing from the facility, with the fire reportedly fueled by used oil leaking from an 8,000-gallon tank. Fire crews worked tirelessly, aided by multiple units from neighboring fire stations and hazmat teams, to contain the blaze. The smoke generated from the burning oil caused significant concern for first responders and the local community, prompting a defensive approach to firefighting to protect those on-site and assess the potential risks from hazardous materials. As of 6:30 a.m., the fire continued to emit smoke, necessitating a thorough and careful response from firefighting units. The initial response resulted in one firefighter requiring medical attention due to the conditions at the scene. Fortunately, that individual was reported to be in stable condition after being treated at a local hospital and has since been released. No other injuries were reported among the employees at the recycling company. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Fire Marshal’s Office all involved in the follow-up investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Marshal Donald Thomas from the Detroit Fire Department stated that the thick black smoke was attributed to the dirty oil stored on-site, but while the situation was serious, experts indicated that there would be no long-lasting environmental impact resulting from the fire. Local residents were advised that there was no immediate danger from the incident, providing a sense of relief amidst the unfolding crisis. Aevitas Specialty Services Corp. emphasized its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and neighboring communities. Company CEO Robert Slater expressed gratitude that no employees were harmed during the incident and reassured the public that actions would be taken to ensure full regulatory compliance during the cleanup while collaborating with relevant agencies to manage the repercussions of the event. The cleanup process has already commenced, indicating forward momentum in addressing the aftermath of this unfortunate incident. The company's transparency regarding ongoing investigations and safety measures is designed to rebuild trust with the community and signify accountability in the wake of the fire's devastation.