Landfill catches fire in Pettis County
PETTIS COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A landfill outside of Sedalia caught fire on Monday, according to the Sedalia Fire Department and Pettis County Emergency Management.
Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management wrote on its Facebook page that Oak Grove Lane “between Broadway and the Low Water Crossing” is closed. It also wrote that a closure occurred on another street that is back open.
Sedalia Fire Chief Matthew Irwin wrote in an email to ABC 17 News that the landfill was on fire and that county firefighters were responding.
“Although we are not on scene we are monitoring the situation and will respond if requested. This fire is within the Pettis County Fire Protection District,” he wrote.
An official from the Pettis County Sheriff’s deputy told ABC 17 News at the scene that when officials were first dispatched just before 3 p.m., the smoke could be seen from Boonville. Residents on social media reported seeing black smoke from the fire from varying distances.
The deputy added that there was a “rollover incident” nearby, so several crews had to move away from the fire to help with that scene.
Just before 6 p.m., the smoke had subsided significantly, however, county fire trucks were still seen going in and out of the landfill to try and put out several hot stops for several hours.
The Sedalia Fire Department warned residents on social media of the potential of a shelter-in-place due to smoke. The department added that it is working with the National Weather Service to monitor the wind direction and speed of the fire. The shelter-in-place was not needed and there are no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Sedalia Fire Department wrote at 8:48 p.m. that the fire was under control.
