Firefighters Still Battling Essex Blaze; Air Quality To Be Tested

Hartford Courant

Nearly 20 hours in, firefighters were still working to extinguish the last bits of a recycling facility fire that sent deep, thick plumes of smoke over the town.

The fire at Calamari Recycling Co. on Dump Road was reported Wednesday afternoon, prompting a massive response from the town's volunteer department and neighboring towns, First Selectmen Norman Needleman said.

With the smoke, came concerns of air quality, he said. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection would be conducting tests as the populated area of town was downwind from the fire.

Officials said if people see the smoke, they should stay inside with their doors and windows closed. Those with respiratory issues were asked to take the precautions for low air quality.

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