Compost fires still smoldering at Hornsby Bend
Photo courtesy of Jason Hill with Austin Water Utility
Austin fire crews are still working to extinguish a series of compost fires which has been burning in southeast Austin since the beginning of last week.
Sparked by a combination of internal heat and high winds, several massive piles of compost at the Hornsby Bend bio-solids plant ignited Feb 25.
The fire was quickly determined to be of no threat, but sent a large plume of smoke into the air. Fire crews with the Austin Fire Department have conducted air quality tests in nearby neighborhoods and, according to Jason Hill with Austin Water Utility, have not found any concerns for public health.
Hill also said smoke dispersion has become a priority as shifting winds will begin to send the smoke in several directions.
Click here for updates on the fire at Hornsby Bend.