The smoke from it is visible from several miles away and the fire may burn for several days, according to fire officials.
BARROW CO. FIRE DEPT. NEWS RELEASE:
“Just before midnight on Wednesday, Barrow County Fire Department responded to a fire in the 600 block of Highway 11. ‘Upon arrival firefighters found a large fire in the Highway 11 Inert Landfill,” stated Public Information Officer Scott Dakin. “The fire was growing rapidly due to the amount of inert wood products.”
Firefighters worked to stop the fire from spreading to a nearby neighborhood and elementary school (Holsenbeck Elementary School). Firefighters are also being assisted by personnel with the Georgia Forestry Commission. At this time the fire has been contained inside the property of the landfill. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“This fire will be burning for several days due to the amount of wood burning,” stated Captain Dakin. “We will have firefighters on scene during this time to keep the fire under control. The fire is visible for a long distance.” Citizens are asked to use caution in the area when traveling.