Good afternoon, we wanted to take a moment and provide some info on the mulch fire as it continues to cause very smoky conditions in the area. In regards to extinguishment, we exhausted all possible methods but water will not penetrate into the middle of the piles where the fire continues to burn. Equipment cannot be utilized to reduce the piles because it too would catch on fire.
Unfortunately, the fire has to burn the fuel load (the woody debris) before it will go out. There are numerous issues that make it much more complicated than even that though, such as water runoff and the impact to creeks and streams as well as the stress that flowing millions of gallons of water per day puts on our water system.
We understand that the smoke is quite an inconvenience to many, but at this point there is simply nothing that can be done other than let the fire burn itself out.
We are receiving numerous calls asking why we are not putting it out and please understand, if that was a viable option, we certainly would, but it’s not. Spraying water on it would simply extend the length of the inconvenience to our community.
Thank you and have a great day!
Image: WNCTimes