Crews extinguish small fire at Southwest Recycling and Transfer Station; no injuries or damage

Snohomish County Public Works said a small fire at the Southwest Recycling and Transfer Station in Mountlake Terrace on May 28 is a reminder to properly dispose of flammable items.

According to a press release issued Thursday by the county Public Works, the fire was quickly extinguished thanks to the quick response of solid waste personnel and fire crews at the facility, located at 21311 61st place. W. to Mountlake Terrace. No one was injured and no damage was reported.

You can see video of the fire here.

The fire is one of 10 incidents at transfer stations across the county in the past two years. In 2024, there have already been six incidents requiring emergency fire response, Public Works said.

“Thankfully it was a small fire that was quickly extinguished,” Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “It only takes one fire under the right circumstances to turn into something disastrous.”

The fire was detected by video surveillance shortly after 5 p.m., when the establishment was already closed to the public for the day. An investigation is underway, but rags soaked in a flammable solvent and an ignition source in the trash pile, possibly batteries, are believed to be the source. The SWRTS fire suppression system was activated and the fire was quickly extinguished. Solid waste personnel and fire crews responded to ensure the fire was under control.

Combustible items such as solvents or hot ashes are not allowed in waste that is disposed of via Snohomish County transfer stations and drop boxes because they can cause fires. It is also not recommended to throw batteries in the trash.

Many hazardous items, including batteries, can be recycled or properly disposed of at the Snohomish County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station, located at 3434 McDougall Ave in Everett. For a complete list of accepted items, visit establishment web page.