Fire sends heavy smoke aloft
Published on -11/9/2009, 7:13 AM
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By MIKE CORN
Heavy smoke billowed over southeast Hays this morning, at times making it difficult for motorists to clearly see down Eighth Street east of Vine.
The smoke came from the Hays compost site, where a giant pile of compost caught fire.
Hays Fire Capt. Chris Stegman said the fire started as a result of spontaneous combustion. Typically, when organic material decomposes, it gives off heat, and sometimes will catch fire.
This isn't the first time the compost pile has caught fire, but the flames were smaller this time around because tree limbs are no longer accepted.
Several pieces of fire equipment were on the scene this morning, but it was mostly as a precaution.
Two street department loaders were busy moving compost that wasn't burning into a second pile, and Stegman said the hoses were at the ready to ensure the equipment could be kept safe.
As for the smoke, Stegman said he was leaving the decision to the Hays Police Department to determine if Eighth Street needed to be closed.
Stegman said the fire likely would be allowed to burn itself out, meaning the fire department would remain close by to ensure no other problems develop.
No where in the article is Chief Gary Brown's name mentioned. It says that Captain Chis Stegman, who is the Captain of 'C' shift not the Chief of the entire fire department, made the comment. The fire department can shut down a street but almost all of the time it is up to the HPD to close the streets because the firemen are tending to the fire and the fire department doesn't have to take men away from the fire.
(Posted by: ~~~~~)
: 11/10/2009
That call isn't up the Fire Chief it is up to HPD Chief so maybe you need to keep your mouth shut until you know the facts. I agree they need to put the composite site somewhere else because it can be hazardous for everyone else.
(Posted by: )
CITY SLICKERS: 11/10/2009
No doubt the bulk of the material being composted comes from the residents of Hays. I'm unsure why the residents of the city are unwilling to take are of their own waste, and feel it's OK too pass on the pleasantries on to other people.
(Posted by: rocoks)
: 11/9/2009
One more reason that this is in the wrong place inside our city limits! anyone living or working in the area all summer long has to put up with all the smell and chemicals in the air.
(Posted by: move it out of city limits)
wow: 11/9/2009
Way to shirk your responsibility there, Chief. What does the HPD have to do with smoke? Perhaps we need a Fire Chief that can do his own job.
(Posted by: NewChiefNeeded)
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