A major fire at a plastic recycling plant in New Mexico – officials issue a health alert for the region

Fire and rescue crews were battling to control a large fire that broke out at a recycling plant that stores plastics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Sunday, August 6.

According to foreign media, the Telegraph reports, images published on social networks show plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the fire took place in Mesa del Sol, not far from Albuquerque's Sunport International Airport and the local film studio.

As a result, city officials issued a health alert for the region, advising people to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed, due to dangerous air pollutants in the smoke from the burning plastic.

Albuquerque authorities further warned people to stay away from the area, saying the fire was out of control, including structures, products and vehicles.

In a press conference, officials said the fire could continue "potentially for several days," according to media reports. /Telegraph/