Compost fire continues to smolder near ABIA
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Emergency officials are asking residents to only call 911 if they see smoke and flame - this after so many people have been alarmed by smoke from a smoldering compost fire that started in Monday's high winds.
While the fire is contained, the billowing smoke can be seen for miles.
The Austin Fire Department is monitoring the air quality in nearby neighborhoods and has yet to detect any harmful gases.
A spokesperson for the water treatment plant says the fire could smolder for several more days.
"Since they're pretty large piles, they're still smoldering inside, so we're looking at the best strategies and techniques to cool those piles down,” Jason Hill with Austin Water said. “It's not something you can do overnight, so it's something we're going to be working with over the next few days."
It was suggested that anyone with respiratory problems should limit their exposure to the fumes, if possible. Otherwise, it's no more harmful than campfire smoke.