State fire marshal: Becker recycling plant fire ruled accidental
[KSTP/ Jessica Miles]
The Minnesota Department of Safety's State Fire Marshal Division has ruled the fire that took place at a recycling plant in Becker as accidental.
A passerby reported seeing the fire at the Northern Metal Recycling Plant on the morning of Feb. 18. Police said the fire appeared to have started "in a debris pile of crushed up vehicles" in the plant's lot.
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The investigation report says because there was no evidence of anyone climbing on top of the metal pile and the fire was so far inside of the pile, the fire was not believed to be intentional.
The report also states the ignition of the fire was due to a "spark of heated metals coming into contact with combustible material."
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, as of Friday, particulate monitoring in the area was discontinued.
The MPCA said assessments for potential environmental damage will continue.