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Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County

May take days to extinguish, officials say

A large fire broke out at a mulch company in Mitchell, Ind., around 11 a.m. Thursday and the seven-acre pile continued to burn on Friday.  Some residents in the area were evacuated due to heavy smoke. Schools were also closed on Friday.

Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County A large mulch fire broke out at Fibertech in Mitchell, Ind., around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

A seven-acre pile of much continued to burn on Friday, resulting in heavy smoke through the town.

Photo by: Indiana Department of Homeland Security Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said, as of 2 p.m. Friday, the Air National Guard stopped water drops on the area.

The wind was too strong and dispersing the water.

Crews began using heavy equipment to relocate the mulch to a nearby wetland to help the fire dissolve.

Photo by: Indiana Department of Homeland Security Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County Because smoke from the mulch fire continues to be thick, some Mitchell residents who were evacuated will be relocated to a shelter being established by the Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency.

North Lawrence Community Schools and Mitchell Community Schools also canceled classes for Friday.

 

Photo by: Indiana Department of Homeland Security Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County Hazmat officials with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office continue to monitor the plume.

Smoke can cause health concerns if people are exposed for an extended period.

People are encouraged to contact their doctor if they begin to experience symptoms related to the smoke such as burning eyes, shortness of breath, etc.

Photo by: Indiana Department of Homeland Security Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County The mulch fire is being closely monitored by crews on the ground, although it is expected to burn in spots for a few days.

Visibility is limited in the area, and firefighters continue to battle the blaze and windy conditions in the area.

Fibertech is a wood processing plant that supplies wood pallets and bulk mulch.

Photo by: Indiana Department of Homeland Security

Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County

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  • Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County
  • Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County
  • Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County
  • Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County
  • Large mulch fire burning in Lawrence County

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A large mulch fire broke out at Fibertech in Mitchell, Ind., around 11 a.m. on Thursday.

A seven-acre pile of much continued to burn on Friday, resulting in heavy smoke through the town.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said, as of 2 p.m. Friday, the Air National Guard stopped water drops on the area.

The wind was too strong and dispersing the water.

Crews began using heavy equipment to relocate the mulch to a nearby wetland to help the fire dissolve.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Because smoke from the mulch fire continues to be thick, some Mitchell residents who were evacuated will be relocated to a shelter being established by the Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency.

North Lawrence Community Schools and Mitchell Community Schools also canceled classes for Friday.

 

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Hazmat officials with the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office continue to monitor the plume.

Smoke can cause health concerns if people are exposed for an extended period.

People are encouraged to contact their doctor if they begin to experience symptoms related to the smoke such as burning eyes, shortness of breath, etc.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
The mulch fire is being closely monitored by crews on the ground, although it is expected to burn in spots for a few days.

Visibility is limited in the area, and firefighters continue to battle the blaze and windy conditions in the area.

Fibertech is a wood processing plant that supplies wood pallets and bulk mulch.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
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