The Florida Department of Health is advising residents and visitors of an odor still lingering in the Keene Road landfill area as a result of a fire that was extinguished there one week ago.
According to a statement from the Department of Health, residents around the Waste Management Keene/Vista Landfill are advised to stay inside and close their windows and doors, check that their air conditioner or air purifier is working properly and to change filters if necessary, and to contact their physician if any health concerns develop.
The odor resulted from a fire that occurred on Tuesday, November 22, at the landfill. Upon the startup of a flare located there, a piece of debris was propelled from the stack, which ignited a fire on the grass capping of the landfill.
The Apopka Fire Department responded and all personnel on site were evacuated to a safe distance. The firefighters extinguished the fire with no apparent damage to the collection gas system and the flares were operating as designed, according to the press statement.
The Waste Management facility is continuing to operate safely and is complying with all permits, state, and federal rules and regulations.
Those with concerns may contact the Environmental Public Health office at 407-858-1497, ext. 2285.
