Sydcol small fire, president of hazardous waste facility addresses concerns

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Sydcol, a hazardous waste facility near the Yuma Palms mall had a small fire at their building.

The fire happened Tuesday evening around 8 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sydcol sent out a statement regarding the fire.

Here is the statement from SYDCOL President Chuck Templer:

“There was a small fire at our Yuma County facility, fortunately no one was injured. The fire did not involve any hazardous materials or cause any environmental issues, a testament to the safeguards in place at our facility.  Rural Metro did an excellent job extinguishing the fire.

“SYDCOL has been operating in Yuma and Yuma County for more than 18 years and this is the first fire at its waste consolidation operation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation and started after SYDCOL’s facility was closed.  

“It is worth noting that none of the waste being consolidated for transport at SYDCOL’s Yuma County facility is combustible without a separate ignition source.

“The fire comes as SYDCOL is seeking a Special Use Permit to expand its operation. That request has drawn significant unfounded accusations against the company and the men and women who operate it. As a result, SYDCOL will be increasing security at the facility in an abundance of caution.

“We are grateful to the Rural Metro Fire Department for their quick work in putting out the fire and we await their determination as to the cause of the fire.

“We are also very grateful that no fire fighters, SYDCOL employees, or anyone else was injured.”