SAN ANTONIO – A mulch fire on San Antonio’s Southwest Side has been burning since Sunday at Second Nature Brush Company off Nelson Road, producing persistent smoke and a strong odor across parts of the city. Fire officials say the blaze continues to smolder but does not currently pose a threat to nearby schools or structures. Shifting winds have pushed smoke into surrounding neighborhoods, prompting some residents and workers to limit time outdoors due to irritation from the smell and air quality concerns.
The situation is drawing comparisons to the infamous “Mulchie” fire in Helotes, which began in December 2006 and burned for more than three months. That massive mulch pile fire sent smoke and ash across Northwest Bexar County, forced school closures and displaced residents, while raising serious health and environmental concerns. It ultimately cost taxpayers millions to extinguish and led to tighter regulations, serving as a reminder of how difficult and disruptive large mulch fires can become.