A massive fire broke out on Monday evening at a recycling center in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, operated by Syctom, the metropolitan waste management agency.

The blaze, which started in the building's basement, sent a towering column of black smoke visible across Paris and nearby suburbs.

Over 200 firefighters and 60 fire engines were deployed to contain the flames, which were finally under control by midnight.

The facility, which processes waste for over 900,000 residents, suffered significant damage, but no injuries were reported as employees were safely evacuated.

Authorities confirmed that the smoke posed no toxic threat, despite the dramatic scene.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

Traffic in the area was heavily disrupted, with road closures around the site.