Times Chronicle Staff
Quick action stopped a fire from spreading out of control at the Oliver Landfill on Saturday.
Crews were called out at 6 a.m. when a small area of compost ignited.
Fire department spokesman Rob Graham said the fire had the potential to spread to more wood piles nearby, but crews were able to prevent that scenario. Winds were reportedly gusty that morning which could have exacerbated the spread, according to fire officials.
Graham said the cause appeared to stem from the natural composting of materials.
“As it decomposes and breaks down it heats up to the point of combustion.” He noted this can be prevented by turning over the materials so they don’t settle in one place for too long.
Firefighters remained on scene for two hours until the blaze was completely extiniguished.
