The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa City officials brief community on landfill fire

Officials updated the Iowa City City Council and community members Tuesday night about the Iowa City Landfill fire, which started on May 26.

Fire Chief Andy Rocca, Johnson County Public Health Director Doug Beardsley, and city Public Works Director Rick Fosse spoke extensively about the state of the fire and its long- and short-term consequences.

Fosse said the fire — which has triggered outlandish flame tornadoes — is now contained but not extinguished.

Rocca applauded effort by various local and national agencies that assisted with the containment of the fire.

The three officials said they did not put out the fire immediately because a move like that would involve huge amounts of water and foam that could contaminate the groundwater that is currently protected by a 4-foot thick layer of clay underneath the landfill.

City officials will continue to monitor the situation, and updates will be made available as progress is made.

— by Rishabh Jain

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