An underground fire has been raging at an environmental landfill near the Birmingham, Alabama suburbs of Moody and Trussville, blanketing surrounding counties and communities with smoke and causing residents to worry about what they might be breathing in. Call our law firm now for a free consultation with an attorney to discuss your rights and discover whether you might have a claim.

The fire began in November 2022 at the Environmental Landfill, Inc. landfill facility on Annie Lee Road in St. Clair County. The fire continues to burn with no signs of stopping, and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is working with local and state firefighting agencies on monitoring the fire and attempting to determine how to best extinguish it. In the meantime, smoke continues to discharge from the heavy fuels on top of the ground and from holes and cracks from the underground portion of the fire, and the smoke can be distinctly smelled for many miles in every direction. For those in communities closet to the landfill fire, the smoke has been unbearable.

According to the Moody Fire Department (MFD), the landfill is set up to take in natural debris such as leaves, limbs, trees, and shrubs, and is not permitted to take in other materials. However, ADEM has stated that unauthorized, non-vegetative solid waste was removed from the site during an enforcement action before the fire started. MFD is currently leading the efforts to control the fire, working with Alabama Forestry Commission, St. Clair County EMA, and ADEM. They are briefing the governor's office with updates, and keeping the public updated through the Moody Fire Department Facebook page.

ADEM has stated that extinguishing the fire, which is the cause of the smoke, is critical. However, they've cautioned that the fire will be difficult to extinguish due to underground burning and the serious safety hazards presented for workers and responding personnel. ADEM has suggested residents consider taking the following steps to avoid or limit possible effects from the smoke:

• Limit outdoor activities.
• Install high-efficiency filters in heating and air conditioning systems.
• Seal areas where outside air may enter the home with caulking or other material.
• Consider obtaining a personal air quality monitor and adjust your activities to limit exposure to poor air quality.
• Because the smoke may continue for an extended period, those with breathing-related health conditions may consider temporarily relocating.
• Contact health officials or a personal physician for other smoke-related health information.

Residents in communities in close proximity to the fire who have been negatively impacted by the smoke are urged to contact our law firm for more information.