Mishawaka firefighters spent Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, battling a large fire at InServ Environmental and Industrial Services on East Marion Street.

The blaze was reported shortly after 2 p.m. at the company’s facility in the 500 block of East Marion Street. The Mishawaka Fire Department urged residents to stay away from the area as crews worked to contain the blaze.

InServ, which processes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, reported that all employees safely evacuated the building.

During the response, Mishawaka Utilities temporarily shut off electricity to nearby homes and businesses as a safety precaution.

Residents living near the fire reported ash collecting on vehicles and lawns, while others described heavy smoke that was visible from miles away. Some neighbors said the smoke was strong enough to be tasted in the air.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.