Cause of USA Metals fire still undetermined

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

Joplin Fire Chief Jim Furgerson has received the following information regarding the commercial structure fire at 2002 W 7th Street, location of USA Metals and Recycling:

Both the City and State Fire Marshal spent the morning investigating the fire and at this time are unable to determine a cause.

The Joplin Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire at 2002 W 7th Street, location of USA Metals and Recycling. The initial call came in at 5:37 p.m. June 3.

The first crew arrived at 5:41 p.m. and found the business with heavy fire and smoke showing. The crews went defensive due to the heavy fire and several hazards. Bystanders reported hearing several explosions those were most likely due to large amounts of gas and oil stored in drums in the building. The fire was confined to the building of origin and brought under control at approximately 8 p.m.

There were no injuries to firefighting crews or employees of the business. The Fire Department responded to the structure fire with seven apparatus and 32 personnel.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Joplin Fire Marshal and the Missouri State Division of Fire Safety.