CHARLESTON, South Carolina (From The Post and Courier) - Firefighters from North Charleston, Charleston and Boeing worked Tuesday to put out a large fire at Sonoco Recycling plant.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to North Charleston Fire Department spokeswoman Bianca Bourbeau. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital as a precaution for heat-related injuries.

Black smoke from the fire, which was reported just after 3:20 p.m., could be seen for miles.

Sonoco spokesman Brian Risinger said that he was grateful there were no injuries and he appreciated fire crews' quick response at 2025 Tellico Road.

"At the time of this statement we understand the fire to be contained to a specific area of the facility and the fire department remains onsite and is making progress on extinguishing the fire," he stated. "The only damage we are aware of is to our own facility."

He added that the blaze would not interrupt ongoing recycling services in the area and that operations were expected to resume by the end of business Wednesday.

Bourbeau said the sprinkler system in the building contained the fire where it started, but outside flames spread to outlying bales of recycled material.
The American Red Cross also responded to the blaze with snacks and drinks for firefighters, according to the organization.