Crews from the Galena Fire Department respond to a weekend fire at the C&D landfill near Galena.

The fire occurred just before 9 on Friday night. Additional crews from Baxter Springs and Carl Junction, Missouri, were called to assist with the blaze. The fire was brought under control but the area is still under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Fires at construction and demolition landfills can release hazardous materials, including asbestos and other toxins, which may impact air quality and pose health risks. The City of Galena states that the EPA has conducted air quality testing both on and off the landfill site and that the only readings recorded were at the site itself. Those readings were determined to be low and of little concern to the agency. The City expects a more detailed report on the incident to be released later this week.

Fire crews remained on site to ensure the fire does not start up again. No injuries have been reported.