Massive Fire at Calverton Recycling Facility Raises Health Concerns; Officials Call for Federal, State Monitoring
A towering inferno that engulfed the Crown Recycling Facility in Calverton early Wednesday morning drew an overwhelming response from Long Island’s firefighting community—and now, a growing call for environmental oversight amid fears of toxic pollutants.
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. at the Crown facility, located on Youngs Avenue next to Riverhead Town's recycling facility, and quickly consumed four buildings on the property. According to the Riverhead Fire Department, more than 250 firefighters from 35 departments and agencies across Suffolk County responded to the alarm, battling flames for over nine hours.
“By 1 p.m., the fire was almost fully contained, with only a couple of active hotspots remaining, and cleanup operations have since begun,” the department said in a statement. “We are pleased to report that there were no serious injuries; one firefighter was treated on scene for minor injuries and has been released.”
Fire officials extended heartfelt gratitude to the mutual aid departments and emergency responders whose coordinated efforts, they said, prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby homes and businesses. “Your tremendous support made a critical difference,” the Riverhead Department said.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio also commended the firefighters and emergency medical personnel for their swift and heroic actions.
“I want to sincerely thank the firefighters and EMS personnel who worked through the night to contain the fire at the Crown Recycling facility,” said Giglio. “Their quick response and effort protected nearby homes, businesses, and residents from what could have been a far worse situation.”
Giglio said she has contacted Congressman Nick LaLota’s office to request air quality testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), noting that the nature of the burning materials—including construction debris—raises concerns about airborne contaminants such as asbestos and heavy metals.
Residents in the area are echoing those concerns, calling for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the EPA to begin immediate and ongoing environmental monitoring of the site.
“We don’t know what was burning in there — but it sure wasn’t just wood and paper,” said one nearby resident. “We want the air and soil tested for toxins. The government has to step in.”
In response to the potential health risks, the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management has issued alerts to residents within a four-mile radius of the site, urging them to remain indoors and keep windows closed as a precaution.