Massive Landfill Fire Erupts on Little Mountain Road in Wellford, South Carolina
WELLFORD, S.C. — Emergency crews from across Spartanburg County rushed to the scene of a massive landfill fire late Thursday night after flames erupted at the Wellford Landfill on Little Mountain Road, sending heavy smoke and bright orange plumes into the night sky.
The blaze, visible for miles, drew a large emergency response from the Spartanburg and Greer Fire Departments, who are working to contain the fast-spreading fire.
Firefighters Battle Intense Flames Overnight
Photos captured by Liza Emery and Rachel Rosemond show the landfill engulfed in thick smoke and glowing flames, lighting up the horizon behind nearby wooded areas. Firefighters have been battling the blaze since late evening, with trucks and crews positioned along rural roads surrounding the site.
Officials have not yet released information about what sparked the fire or whether hazardous materials are involved. Landfill fires can be particularly difficult to control due to the large amounts of buried debris, methane gas, and flammable materials often present in the piles.
Community Concerns and Air Quality Risks
Residents in nearby Wellford and Lyman reported seeing and smelling the smoke late into the night. Some expressed concern on social media about air quality and the potential spread of fumes.
Environmental experts note that landfill fires can release toxic smoke containing chemicals from plastics and decomposing materials, which can irritate the eyes and respiratory system if inhaled.
Authorities have not issued any official evacuation or air quality alerts at this time, but locals are being advised to stay indoors and avoid the area while firefighters continue containment efforts.
Response From Local Departments
Both the Spartanburg Fire Department and the Greer Fire Department confirmed they are on scene working to extinguish the flames. Heavy equipment is being used to move smoldering debris while fire crews spray water and foam to prevent further spread.
As of midnight, fire officials said they expected operations to continue well into Friday morning due to the depth of the fire within the landfill layers.
No Injuries Reported So Far
No injuries have been reported, and fire officials said the immediate priority is to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching nearby wooded areas or structures.
The Spartanburg County Emergency Management Division is also monitoring the situation and coordinating support for local responders.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have not confirmed whether recent weather conditions or landfill operations played a role in igniting the flames.
Residents are asked to keep roadways near Little Mountain Road clear for emergency vehicles and to report any flare-ups or smoke hazards in surrounding neighborhoods.
Updates on the situation are expected from Spartanburg County officials later today as fire crews continue to work on cooling the site and assessing the damage.
For developing updates on this story, stay tuned to SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
