Hutchinson firefighters responded to the Reno County Landfill at 703 S. Mohawk for a large fire in the pit on Friday evening.
There they discovered a 40-foot area on fire that was spreading rapidly due to high winds.
Fire crews began large water operation to contain the fire and prevent it from damaging the liner and methane walls, hauling water from Mohawk Road with assistance from Reno County Fire Districts 3 and 8.
Crews and landfill staff then began moving the burning trash to a different part of the landfill and covering it with dirt. The Hutchinson Fire Department, South Hutchinson Police Dept., and Reno County Sheriff’s Dept. brought light towers to assist with night operations.
It is believed that the fire was caused by unspent fireworks, with many getting into the pit prior to staff noticing.
