News

Fire continues at recycling plant near downtown Springfield

Fire continues at recycling plant near downtown Springfield

A Springfield firefighter stands watch at a fire at Mervis Recycling, 1100 S. 9th, Springfield. Photo: Saga Communications/Will Stevenson


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The smoke has somewhat died down from a large fire at a recycling plant near downtown Springfield Wednesday.

Crews responded to Mervis Recycling on South 9th Street during the mid-morning hours, with thich black smoke being seen coming from the plant throughout the city.

A cause has not yet been released, but Assistant Fire Chief Julie Plunk says while putting out the fire, the air quality is being monitored there and downwind for any contaminants.

Traffic was at one point slow in the area, but was later normal.

Plunk says those with allergies or sensitivities to smoke should avoid the area.

This story may be updated.



Recent Headlines

15 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Latin and country surge in the US as more music is being streamed than ever before

Halfway through 2026, a few music, film and TV streaming trends have become clear, according to Luminate's 2026 Midyear Report, which was released Wednesday. Notably, more music is being streamed than ever before, both in the U.S. and globally.

15 hours ago in Sports

Cease, bullpen combine on 3-hitter in AL’s 4-0 win, first All-Star shutout since 2013

Dylan Cease started a parade of pitchers that shut down a slew of baseball's best batters in a display of the pitching dominance that rules the sport. "I thought before the game about starting with a changeup and I thought it would be funny," he said.

16 hours ago in Entertainment

Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed join the World Cup closing ceremony’s cast

A wide array of performers, from actor Tom Cruise to streamer IShowSpeed, will help close out the World Cup, FIFA announced Tuesday.