The mulch fire burning at an organic waste recycling facility is in an unincorporated area of Mesa under the jurisdiction of Maricopa County. While Mesa Fire and Medical has provided support, Rural Metro Fire is the lead agency for this fire and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is actively investigating the situation.
It is important to note that the nature of the burning material is such that it is impossible to extinguish it by traditional methods. As a result, the responsible entity has implemented a number of control measures to safely contain and extinguish the fire.
We understand ADEQ has been and will continue to monitor Valley air quality and provide daily air quality forecasts. To date, smoke from the fire has not resulted in any exceedance of the federal health standard for particulate matter 2.5 (smoke). For daily air quality forecasts and updates, visitADEQs Air Quality Hourly Forecast.