Firefighters Battle Fort Worth Mulch Fire
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Firefighters in Fort Worth were busy overnight battling a large mulch fire in the southwest part of the city. The fire started at the Thelin Recycling Company, near the intersection of Hemphill Street and Felix Street.
Emergency crews were first notified about the fire just after midnight on Thursday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found a large pile of mulch burning. Additional fire crews were immediately called in – as many as 17 units total provided up to 60 individuals to battle the flames.
No fire hydrants were located near the flames, so crews initially had trouble getting water to the blaze. However, there were also no homes near the fire, so nobody was evacuated and there have been no reports of injuries.
But authorities are concerned about smoke in the area. The fire is somewhat close to the intersection of Interstate-35W and Interstate-20. Winds gusting up to 20 mph have started pushing smoke toward the busy highways, which could make it difficult for drivers to see or breathe.
There is also concern that motorists along these highways will clog up emergency phone lines by reporting a fire that authorities are already fighting.
The fire, which is still burning strong, has been contained. But fire crews said that it could be several days before the flames are completely extinguished because the ingredients fueling the blaze – tree clippings and dry grass – are highly flammable. The fire is burning deep within the mulch, and the best process for fighting a fire of this type is a slow one.
About 16 firefighters are still on the scene to monitor that process. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Fort Worth Fire Department said that there was a fire at this same plant about 15 years ago.
