Fire Crews Respond to Fire at Ponderosa Landfill Tuesday

At approximately 6:20 p.m. on, May 13, a fire was reported at the Blue Earth County Ponderosa Landfill, 20028 Gooseberry Lane, Mankato.  The fire was in the northwest corner of the landfill on the working face, or active cell, of the landfill. None of the structures on the site were affected.  At approximately 10:15 p.m., South Bend fire was dispatched back to the Landfill. They were able to extinguish the hot spots and clear the scene within a couple hours.

The Landfill remains open and operating under normal hours for all customers. However, if residential customers are able to postpone their waste drop-offs until Monday, May 19, it would help reduce traffic and allow Landfill staff to more efficiently resume full services.

Fire departments from multiple jurisdictions assisted in distinguishing the fire along with staff from the Landfill and Public Works department.

Damages have not been estimated. While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, residents are reminded that improper disposal of batteries are a leading cause of fires at recycling centers, in garbage trucks, and at landfills like the Ponderosa. Those fires start quickly, burn at higher temperatures, and pose even greater safety risks to anyone working with them.  Please do not dispose of any batteries, especially rechargeable ones found in electronic devices and power tools, in recycling bins or trash containers. All batteries are accepted at the Blue Earth County Household Hazardous Waste facility.

For more information on the Ponderosa Landfill, visit the Blue Earth County website.