Fire strikes scrap metal facility in Richmond

A fire at a scrap metal facility Tuesday night in Richmond prompted a shelter-in-place order as firefighters worked to put out the blaze.

The fire was reported around 5:40 p.m. at the Sims Metal Management recycling center at 600 Fourth Street in Richmond. A large plume of smoke could be seen rising from the facility from miles away.

Contra Costa County Health Services said it had a hazardous materials team on the scene to conduct air quality monitoring. The Richmond Fire Department said that the air quality was “unhealthy” and instructed residents to stay indoors.

Smoke and flames from a fire at a Richmond scrap metal yard is seen Tuesday evening. Smoke and flames from a fire at a Richmond scrap metal yard is seen Tuesday evening. Photo: Courtesy Supervisor John Gioia Photo: Courtesy Supervisor John Gioia Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Fire strikes scrap metal facility in Richmond 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

The shelter-in-place order was initially put in place for the area between Ohio Avenue and Wright Avenue between Harbour Way and First Street. The order was extended to include the Santa Fe, Atchison Woods, Iron Triangle, North Richmond and Point Richmond neighborhoods after a shift in the wind direction.

Further details were not immediately available.

Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15