While the fire produced a noticeable amount of smoke, its actual size remained relatively small thanks to fire crews on the scene.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A small fire at the Gulley Hurst Landfill sent smoke into the air Saturday afternoon, but crews were able to quickly contain and extinguish it before it spread.
The landfill, located near Saratoga and Old Brownsville Road, saw an approximately 10-by-20-foot section of metal and other refuse ignite spontaneously on the backside of its main trash mound, according to fire officials.
Because the fire was surrounded by dirt, there were no exposures or nearby materials at risk of catching fire. That helped keep the situation from escalating.
Fire crews initially used water to knock down the flames and reduce the amount of smoke. Personnel from Gulley’s then brought in heavy equipment.
A bulldozer was ultimately used to smother the remaining hot spots while firefighters stood by in case more water was needed.
Weather conditions and weak winds helped fire crews on the scene.
Nueces County lifted its outdoor burn ban last week after officials determined conditions in unincorporated areas no longer pose a heightened fire risk.
The fire was declared out shortly before 4 p.m.
Officials say no civilians or firefighters were injured during the operation.