Wednesday night fires contained quickly, landfill closed Thursday

This story was updated 1:31 p.m. July 13.

Two small fires that broke out Wednesday evening in east Carson City reminded first-responders — and residents — that despite a wet winter, fire season is here.

A 2-acre fire in debris at the Carson City Landfill at 3600 Flint Road closed the site to the public on Thursday. The Carson City Fire Department responded to the fire around 5 p.m. Wednesday, and it was still burning Thursday morning posing no threat to the surrounding area or structures.

“The fire is still burning and will likely continue to burn for an extended period of time,” CCFD Chief Sean Slamon said Thursday morning. “The materials burning are stacked fairly deep, so it is difficult to extinguish.”

Carson City Public Works said in a press release the landfill would reopen by Friday.

“Our priority is that the landfill is safe for the public,” Public Works Director Darren Schulz told the Appeal.

Schulz said the cause of the fire is unknown.

“However, it was likely something that was dropped in the landfill by the public,” he said. “We have struggled in recent years with fires caused by improperly disposed batteries.”

Schulz said water and foam retardant were being used to suppress the fire.

“We also spread waste out and apply water to prevent the fire from spreading further,” he said.

The landfill sees multiple debris fires some years and zero fires other years, Schulz said. He warned customers not to put batteries, coals, embers, hot ashes, empty fuel tanks or gas cans in their trash.

“Batteries and gas cans are accepted at the landfill; however, residents should notify landfill staff that they are trying to dispose of these items when they arrive, and they will be accepted at no additional charge,” he said.

At the same time crews were responding to the landfill Wednesday evening, another brush fire was reported near Old Hot Springs Road and Research Way. CCFD quickly contained it to less than a half-acre, Slamon said.

Despite no reported structural damage, both fires were a reminder residents should be cautious.

“We are starting to see smaller fires starting,” Slamon said. “Most everything is still green, but with our heat and winds forecasted, those will dry out quickly. We would like to remind everyone to be cautious and fire-safe when enjoying our great outdoors.”

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for excessive heat in effect through Monday. Weekend temperatures are expected to surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit.