Drivers are being warned to take extra precautions after a mulch fire Sunday afternoon at the Lake County landfill began producing smoky roadway conditions.
Lake County Fire Rescue, Tavares Fire Department, large excavators, and Florida Forest Service were on the scene of the blaze at the landfill located in Tavares near County Road 561.
Smoldering is expected to persist for approximately two weeks as crews continue to spread the mulch and extinguish hot spots. Smoke may affect visibility along County Road 561, State Road 19, and surrounding areas. Motorists encountering smoky conditions along the roadways should turn on their headlights and reduce their speed.
Mulch piles can build up heat and spontaneously catch fire as they decompose. Mulch fires start more readily when the weather is hot and it has been dry for an extended time. Regular landfill operations will continue Monday morning.
