Large Fire Erupts at South Omaha Industrial Site

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 14, 2025 (AP) - A massive blaze tore through the Majors Plastics and U Pull salvage yards near South 60th Street and I-80 early Sunday, sending plumes of thick black smoke visible from the interstate and prompting a multi-engine response from the Omaha Fire Department.

The conflagration, which began just after midnight, consumed about a dozen vehicles and threatened nearby structures, underscoring industrial safety challenges in one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.

Sunday’s inferno sent embers drifting across the highway, forcing authorities to close eastbound lanes briefly and divert traffic. Firefighters battled the stubborn flames for nearly three hours before gaining the upper hand, and no injuries have been reported. Omaha Fire Chief Lisa Rodriguez emphasized the department’s swift containment efforts and said crews will remain on scene through the afternoon to douse hot spots and investigate the cause.

Blaze Details and Response

• Multiple fire engines and ladder trucks dispatched at 12:15 a.m.
• Two separate fire zones identified at Majors Plastics and the adjacent U Pull salvage yard
• Eastbound I-80 reduced to one lane for smoke mitigation and safety
• No civilian or firefighter injuries, investigation underway

Weather Threat Persists

• National Weather Service predicts isolated severe storms around 10-11 p.m. Sunday
• Possible large hail, damaging wind gusts, and brief tornadoes along I-80 corridor

Omaha residents are advised to monitor local alerts for traffic updates and storm warnings as crews continue overhaul operations and investigators seek to determine the blaze’s origin.