Schnitzer Steel has history of fires renewing environmental concerns

A recycling scrapyard at the Port of Oakland where a massive fire broke out Wednesday has been the site of several fires in recent years, resulting in environmental violations, fines and renewed calls for the company to clean up its act.

Schnitzer Steel operates the recycling facility on Embarcadero West in West Oakland where a large pile of scrap metal was still burning Thursday evening. Nearly 24 hours after fire broke out, Oakland Fire Department said they had concluded their work at the scene and all of their resources have left the facility.