Massive Blaze Engulfs Freetown Recycling Facility, Crews Battle Inferno for Hours

FREETOWN, Mass. – A significant and challenging fire has erupted at the Freetown Recycling facility, drawing a massive response from emergency crews across southeastern Massachusetts. The intense blaze, which began before 6 a.m. Saturday morning on Slab Bridge Road, has engulfed a substantial pile of recycled materials, posing a formidable challenge for firefighters.

The alarm was raised in the pre-dawn hours, summoning firefighters from Freetown and numerous surrounding communities to the scene.

Departments from Lakeville, Rochester, Mattapoisett, Middleboro, Berkley, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Marion, and New Bedford have joined forces, deploying a vast array of resources to combat the rapidly spreading flames.

At the heart of the inferno lies an enormous stack of various recycled items, known for their ability to burn fiercely and for extended periods.

The sheer volume and diverse nature of the burning materials have complicated suppression efforts, demanding a sustained and strategic approach from incident commanders.

One of the primary challenges faced by the responding teams has been securing an adequate water supply to douse the widespread flames.

Firefighters have established multiple lines and are working diligently to ensure a continuous flow, crucial for containing a fire of this magnitude. Due to the active emergency operations, Slab Bridge Road has been closed to traffic, with authorities advising residents to seek alternative routes and avoid the area.

Officials on the scene have indicated that the battle against the blaze is expected to be an all-day affair, with crews anticipated to remain engaged well into Saturday evening or longer.

The sustained effort underscores the severity of the fire and the dedication of the emergency personnel involved. Remarkably, despite the intensity of the incident, authorities have confirmed that no injuries to civilians or firefighters have been reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities will be working to determine how such a significant blaze ignited at the facility.

As the community watches, the combined forces of local fire departments are working tirelessly to bring this major incident under control and ensure the safety of the area.