A smoky haze and smell invaded the city of Arnold and the surrounding area due to a large mulch fire just north of city limits. Firefighters battled the blaze for about 19 1/2 hours, Rock Community Fire Protection District spokeswoman Alyson Rotter said.
Rock Fire was called at 1:56 a.m. Nov. 18 to St. Louis Composting, 1176 Cecos Lane. When firefighters arrived at 2:04 a.m. the composting business just off Hwy. 141, tankers from multiple fire protection districts had to be called in because there were no water hydrants in the area, the report said.
The fire was under control at about 9:30 p.m., and the scene was cleared at 10:56 p.m., according to the report.
“This was a 19-hour operation that included nine tankers each manned with two people and four trucks pumping and drafting water,” Assistant Chief Chuck Hill said. “This gives a total of over 35 personnel on scene including the command staff. We had two different commanders during this operation, myself and (Battalion Chief) Greg Heimos.
“During the incident we had two different operations, one in which crews were putting water directly on the mulch pile and another where crews were putting water on the mulch being moved by the mulching company that was utilizing their equipment.”
Rock Fire reported only natural materials were burned in the fire and there were no hazard chemicals released into the air. Rotter said the Missouri Department of Natural Resources also monitored the fire to assure there was no danger.
The cause of the fire was not determined as of Monday, Nov. 20, but the cause of the blaze did not appear suspicious, Rock Fire reported.
No injuries were reported.
Rotter said smoke and the burning smell dissipated from Arnold and the surrounding area the morning of Nov. 19.
Saline Valley, High Ridge, Mapaville, Hematite, St. Clair, Union, Jefferson R-7, Goldman and Hillsboro fire protection districts assisted on the call. Rotter said Jefferson County 911 Dispatch coordinated the districts’ efforts and assured other areas in the district were covered throughout the day.
“This operation taxed our statewide mutual aid agreement by bringing in apparatus from up to 45 minutes away,” Chief Training Officer, Michael Shafferkoetter said. “We had two trucks committed to the scene and one company dedicated to water shuttle operations. We cycled those companies out throughout the day.”