Firefighters were battling a third-alarm fire at a metal recycling yard in South El Monte Wednesday that sent up thick plumes of smoke visible for miles. The fire was reported at about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at P&T Metals in the 2200 block of North Tyler Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The company has been in business for nearly 60 years, with its South El Monte facility covering four acres. “I am actively monitoring the commercial structural fire on Tyler Ave in South El Monte. “I want to express my deep gratitude to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and first responders who are actively working to contain the incident.