Firefighters in Orange Douse Dumpster Blaze

ORANGE — Firefighters took 20 minutes to battle a smoldering fire in an industrial dumpster containing polyurethane, authorities said.

The fire started about 5:30 a.m. at the Polymer Development Laboratory, 212 W. Taft Ave., after employees failed to cool off the polyurethane before putting it in the dumpster, Battalion Chief Ray Montoya said.

Seven firefighters arrived to find the container ablaze, Montoya said.

A hazardous materials unit was called to the scene, but after about an hour of analyzing water runoff, the team determined that the substance is not toxic, Montoya said. Polyurethane is generally used as a foam to cushion couches and other furniture or resins in carpet adhesives and other types of plaster, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported in the incident.