RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Firefighters from across Bucks County and surrounding areas responded to a massive three-alarm fire Tuesday night at a recycling facility in Richland Township.
The fire broke out shortly after 10 p.m. at Gladiator Recycling, located at 1010 Heller Road inside the Quakertown Trade Center. Initial reports indicated a water flow alarm activation, but responding crews quickly discovered heavy fire conditions inside the large commercial structure.
Officials reported that large quantities of recyclable materials, including cardboard and waste products, were actively burning inside the facility. The fire rapidly intensified due to the combustible materials stored throughout the building, prompting command to upgrade the incident to a second alarm and eventually a third alarm to bring in additional manpower and equipment.
Multiple fire departments from Bucks County were joined by mutual aid companies from neighboring Lehigh and Montgomery counties. Crews deployed handlines and aerial ladder trucks while working to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further through the large industrial structure.
Firefighters faced challenging conditions as they battled flames deep inside the building. Due to the size of the facility and volume of materials involved, operations continued for several hours as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
Officials confirmed that no injuries have been reported. Emergency crews remained on scene overnight conducting overhaul operations and monitoring for hotspots.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire officials.
Photos credit: Nester Video Production
