(Johnston, IA) — People living in Johnston say a smoldering pile of construction materials, mulch, and trees has been filling the air with smoke and ash for more than 10 days. The fire was first reported on August 6th. Since that time, the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department reports it has responded to 11 calls about a fire burning at the location in front of Tyler Excavating. A half-million gallons of water have been used already. Fire Chief Jim Clark says the decaying organic matter is heating up on its own after firefighters have put it out. City officials have told Tyler Excavating it has to clean up the pile so it doesn’t re-ignite.
Learfield News Wire
