Firefighters worked to put out a fire at a scrapyard in Bessemer Wednesday afternoon.
The fire erupted on 10th Avenue North at Industrial Scrap Processors near J. S. Abrams Elementary School and First Baptist Church Carver.
A call came in for the fire around 11:30 a.m., according to Michael Brannon, Battalion Chief for Bessemer Fire Department.
The elementary school was evacuated as a precaution. All students and staff were safe
"Abrams Elementary is made up of multiple buildings so the fire was directly behind one of the buildings where we do have students and staff located. We followed our fire evacuation plan from there," said Dr. Autumm Jeter, Superintendent of Bessemer City Schools. "Our number priority was the safety of the students. So we wanted to get them out."
Brannon explained there wasn't a threat of the fire reaching the school, rather students were evacuated due to the smoke and potential contaminants in the air. There was also no threat to surrounding homes.
"This property is self-contained if you will. The fire has not spread as a result of the wind. It's just there's so much debris out there and it's so condensed. It's hard to get water deep inside this stuff," said Brannon.
As of 2:00 p.m. thick black and gray smoke could still be seen coming from the location.
Authorities said the fire is considered under control, but fire crews are keeping a close watch due to dry weather conditions.
There have been no injuries reported and no information on how the fire started.
Stay with ABC 33/40 for updates.