Firefighting crews are battling a massive fire in York County, Pennsylvania, that started in a mulch pile near Spring Grove on Sunday afternoon (October 19). The fire, which began at the Oldcastle APG Lawn and Garden facility on Old Hanover Road, quickly spread to nearby woods, buildings, and vehicles. The blaze is sending thick black smoke into the air, visible for miles around.
According to CBS 21, the fire was initially reported as a brush fire around 2:44 p.m. but rapidly intensified due to strong winds, with gusts up to 47 miles per hour. Firefighters from multiple states, including Maryland, have been called in to assist. The fire has led to explosions as hydraulic equipment and other machinery burned.
Reports that the fire involved multiple structures and excavation equipment. The Shrinestown Community Fire Company has been hauling thousands of gallons of water to the scene, and a Maryland State Police helicopter is assisting with aerial monitoring.
The fire has strained local water supplies, necessitating the use of commercial water tankers to shuttle water from the York Fairgrounds. CBS 21 states that as of Sunday night, firefighters from 94 different units were on scene. Old Hanover Road has been shut down between West Jackson Street and Colonial Valley Road.
As of now, there are no reports of injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and crews continue to work tirelessly to bring the blaze under control.
The CBS 21 First Warning Weather team says the windy conditions could make things more difficult to put out the fire.
It's not yet known what caused the fire.