Westport officials give detailed fire update, including air and water quality, after massive blaze leads to multiple brush fires

Westport officials have released a comprehensive update concerning the fire at Mid City Steel.

At approximately 3:34 p.m. on Monday, the Westport Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported scrap fire at Mid City Steel, located at 548 State Road. Initial fire crews encountered heavy fire and smoke coming from a large pile of processed vehicles. Due to strong winds, the fire spread into an adjacent densely wooded area and caused multiple brush fires. 

One Mid City Steel employee sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The individual was treated on scene by Westport firefighter-paramedics and transported by Dartmouth EMS to a local hospital. 

Out of an abundance of caution, residents in the immediate area were advised to shelter in place due to smoke conditions. An evacuation location was established at a nearby hotel last night, and one resident chose to relocate. Approximately 20 homes were within the immediate smoke plume. Air quality has been closely monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. As of Tuesday morning, the EPA reports no elevated readings. 

Fire crews remain on scene today working in coordination with Mid City Steel personnel. Heavy machinery is being used to break apart the scrap pile and access deep-seated hotspots. 

In addition, the Westport Board of Health is advising residents with private drinking water wells within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mid City Steel facility to have their water tested following the fire. Due to the large volume of water used to extinguish the fire and resulting runoff, there is a potential for contaminants to impact surrounding soil and groundwater. As a precaution, private well owners in the affected area are encouraged to arrange for comprehensive water testing, including volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and PFAS. 

Until testing is completed, residents may consider using bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth as a precaution, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems. The Board of Health is coordinating with the MassDEP and other state partners. For assistance, residents may contact the Westport Board of Health at 508-636-1015 or visit the Town’s website.

Mutual aid from fire departments across Bristol County and nearby Rhode Island provided additional resources, including tanker trucks and brush units. Assisting agencies included Acushnet, Dartmouth Districts 1, 2, and 3, Dighton, Fall River, Freetown, Lakeville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Warren, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton. Additional resources were provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Command support was provided by NAFD, Swansea, and Seekonk Chiefs, along with support services from Department of Fire Services Rehab and the Providence Canteen. The Town of Westport thanks the assisting agencies for their support and coordinated response. 

The Massachusetts State Police Fire Investigation Unit is currently leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. At this time, the cause and origin have not been determined, however, the fire is not considered suspicious. 

Route 6 has reopened to two-way traffic but is reduced to one lane in the area of Mid City Steel. Motorists are advised to use caution and expect delays.

Firefighters will continue operations throughout the day, including monitoring for hotspots within the facility and in surrounding wooded areas, including the vicinity of Davis Road.

Air quality monitoring will continue in coordination with state and federal agencies.