Thick Smoke From Fire at Pilgrim Metal Blankets Highway 8 Lexington

{Photos: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

A large cloud of thick gray smoke drifted over parts of Uptown Lexington and the Highway 8 corridor Saturday as firefighters responded to a fire at Pilgrim Metal, located at 106 Cedar Lane Drive, Lexington, NC 27292.

The smoke, visible from several areas of the city, carried a distinct metallic odor as it spread across the Highway 8 area, drawing the attention of motorists, shoppers and nearby residents.

Several past and present employees who were at the scene said they had not received reports of any injuries as emergency crews worked to contain the fire. As of this report, no injuries have been confirmed by officials.

Firefighters remained on scene working to extinguish the blaze and assess the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire has not yet been released and remains under investigation.

Residents in the area reported seeing the heavy plume of gray smoke from considerable distances, with many expressing concern as it rose above the industrial area. The smoke was especially noticeable throughout the Highway 8 corridor and portions of Uptown Lexington.

Authorities are expected to provide additional information once the fire has been fully contained and investigators have had an opportunity to examine the scene.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.