Fresno County industrial fire caused accidentally by employees

FRESNO, Calif.

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The flames broke out at the Soex West Textile Recycling plant on Orange and Church at about 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, and spread to a warehouse nearby.

Investigators say crews were using a grinder to cut metal, sending out sparks which ignited nearby grass. That fire then burned approximately two acres of fabric and carpet bales at the facility.

At one point, the fire had nearly 70 firefighters from four different agencies on scene.

All that black smoke is going to affect air quality - so if you have allergies or asthma, or if you live nearby, you're being told to stay indoors.

Firefighters anticipate putting the fire out by eight o'clock pm.

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