Firefighters Battle Company Blaze

San Diego firefighters extinguished a brief but ferocious fire Tuesday night at a disposal company in an industrial area just north of National City near Interstate 5.

The fire broke out shortly after 8 p.m. at Bay Disposal Company in the 3700 block of Dalbergia Street near Una Street, officials said. Flames, smoke and ash were shooting high into the air, drawing numerous spectators, witnesses said.

The blaze may have been fed by bales of paper used for recycling, firefighters said.

At least three engine companies and two truck companies responded, along with arson investigators, according to dispatcher Elaine Maisen. The fire was put out in less than an hour, she said.

There was no damage estimate.

During the past week, a car and a small shack have been set afire in the neighborhood dominated by warehouses and industrial businesses, said a witness.