safety
Huge fire at Juarez recycling facility sends smoke across border
By Jamel Valencia at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - A massive fire fueled by tons of recyclable materials, including wood, cardboard, and plastics, sent a towering column of smoke into the sky that was visible from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The fire started Monday, June 29, in the morning hours at a recycling co...
Key takeaway The fire started Monday, June 29, in the morning hours at a recycling company located in the [...
Why this matters in The El Paso
The fire at the Juarez recycling facility poses a significant concern for El Paso residents, particularly those living in areas closest to the border. The smoke drifting into El Paso County may exacerbate existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, and could lead to increased emergency room visits. Local health officials will likely be monitoring air quality closely in the coming days to assess the impact on public health. Additionally, the fire may also affect traffic and commerce in the region, as visibility and air quality concerns could lead to restrictions on border crossings or outdoor activities. El Pasoans should stay informed about any updates on air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health, such as staying indoors or wearing masks when outdoors. The city's emergency management officials should also be prepared to respond to any potential health crises that may arise as a result of the fire.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - A massive fire fueled by tons of recyclable materials, including wood, cardboard, and plastics, sent a towering column of smoke into the sky that was visible from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The fire started Monday, June 29, in the morning hours at a recycling co...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jamel Valencia at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter