Contact: Patti Hansen, Lane County Waste Management manger, 541-682-3761

Lane County Waste Management officials said Sunday’s Short Mountain Landfill fire serves as a reminder that disposing of combustible materials must be done so carefully.

While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, the early afternoon blaze originated in an active dumping site.

According to Waste Management Manager Patti Hansen, combustibles such as discarded barbeque coals or oily rags are always a concern for landfill staff.

“Having any combustible disposed into the landfill coupled with high temperatures is a recipe for fire,” Hansen said.

Approximately 3 acres were burned in the landfill. A helicopter was issued, releasing 99 drops – each with 300 gallons of water – over the landfill to help contain the fire.

The landfill’s fire watch crews maintain daily presence and a freshwater lagoon and water truck are on site – providing critical help in yesterday’s effort to suppress the blaze. Hansen said the community’s involvement is also needed to help reduce the chances for landfill fires.

Lane County Waste Management offers the following tips:

Coals and Ashes

• Place all coals/ashes from barbeques or fire pits in a metal container, away from your home or other structures.
• Pour water and stir.
• Leave coals/ashes in container for one week or until fully extinguished before disposing in your garbage can. 
   

Oily Rags

• Spread rags in a single layer on a flat surface outside so that heat dissipates.
• Once the oily rag has cured when it becomes hard and brittle making it safe to dispose of.

Hazardous Waste

• Lane County does not accept hazardous waste or toxic materials into the landfill. Several programs exist to keep items such as compact florescent lamps, paint, fuels, pesticides, chemicals and other corrosive materials out of the landfill. For more information about the Hazardous Waste program, contact 541-682-3828.

Hansen said the fire danger is higher in the summer months. However, burning materials, such as ashes from fire places, remain a concern even in winter months.

“We are grateful for the quick response from local firefighting agencies and from our staff here at Waste Management,” Hansen said.

Hansen said it’s important to recognize that with limited resources, local response agencies are pulled thin when called to battle blazes at the landfill and still respond to critical life and safety calls. That’s why it’s important to help reduce the potential for fire at the landfill and at all transfer sites.

“We’re asking community members to take a couple of extra steps that will help us greatly in reducing the potential for fire,” Hansen said.

Yesterday’s fire has brought concern over air quality. Lane County Public Health officials said that members of the community who are sensitive to particulates in the air should always take precaution when fires and other air pollution are present.

Health officials recommend:

• Decrease your activity level. When air is polluted, exercise less strenuously or for less time.
• Listen to your body. If you get asthma symptoms when the air is polluted, stop your activity and do something less intense.
• Keep quick-acting asthma medication with you when you are active outdoors.
• Residents experiencing health problems associated with smoke should contact their health care provider. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for prevention and treatment of asthma or breathing problems.

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718

541.359.9143 (cell)