LEWISTON, N.Y. — Crews spent the overnight hours battling a fire at a Niagara County landfill.
The fire started around midnight at Modern Landfill on Pletcher Road in the Town of Lewiston, Modern Disposal Services told 2 On Your Side in a statement on Saturday.
Several fire companies responded, starting with Lewiston Fire Company No. 1 and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The fire was extinguished and out by 6 a.m.
The landfill contains municipal solid waste, a company spokesperson said, adding that there is no hazardous waste on the property and that there is no danger to public.
"Crews faced significant challenges, including the exposure of a methane pipe, two parked bulldozers that were at risk, and 15-mph winds made fighting the fire even more challenging," Lewiston Fire Company No. 1 said in a statement Saturday night.
The fire started on a large pile of rubber tire chunks, Lewiston Fire said.
The pile was set aside, and fire was contained to the pile. At this time, Modern Disposal Services said it's not sure how the fire started inside that pile.
"Firefighters worked tirelessly from midnight to almost 11 a.m. to battle the blaze," Lewiston Fire said.
Modern Landfill said it immediately contacted the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and that the cause remains under investigation.
The DEC, through a spokesperson Saturday evening, said it has reached out to landfill operators for more information. It also said it would "continue to monitor and take necessary steps if further investigation is necessary."
No firefighters were injured. One landfill employee was treated and released, Lewiston Fire said.
"Swift and coordinated efforts of all responding units were crucial in managing this challenging incident," Lewiston Fire said. "The teamwork and dedication displayed by the firefighters ensured that the fire was brought under control, minimizing potential damage and hazards."