Houston fire: Large mulch fire at Living Earth facility on Crawford Street
HOUSTON - A mulch fire that began at the Living Earth facility in northwest Houston on Sunday continues to burn on Monday morning.
Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Peña said Sunday that firefighters were able to isolate the burning material, but extinguishment would take time and require heavy equipment to spread out the burning material so water could be applied.
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HFD was dispatched to the fire around 2:27 p.m. Sunday in the 5800 block of Crawford Street. A plume of smoke could be seen coming from the area.
When fire crews arrived, they noticed several small grass fires and a pile of mulch on fire. That fire quickly spread to several other large mounds of mulch.
HFD firefighters worked to stop the flames from spreading to a warehouse on the property.
The fire is not threatening any homes or businesses, and no one has been injured, but there is some concern for the firefighters battling the blaze in the extreme heat.
"Our first concern is always going to be our firefighters, so we've been diligent about rotating them out and ensuring they're taking their breaks while on this location," said Martee Black, Public Information Officer for the Houston Fire Dept.
In addition, there is a burn ban in effect in Harris County, and while the cause of this fire is still under investigation, officials are using it as a reminder of just how out of hand things can get in drought conditions.
HFD will provide updates as the situation develops.
"We don't know the cause, but smoking materials that aren't properly disposed of are good ways for grass fires and mulch fires to become ignited," Black said.
Arson investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. Crews will continue fighting the fire overnight.