Full Breakdown
Large Fire Contained at Rumpke Landfill in Colerain Township
9/15/2025, 1:14:08 PM
Fire Incident Overview
On September 14, 2025, a significant fire broke out at the Rumpke Sanitary Landfill in Colerain Township, Ohio. Fire crews responded to the incident around 6:30 p.m. and successfully contained the blaze by 8:09 p.m. The fire affected approximately one to two acres within the landfill, specifically in the household waste section, which is adjacent to the lining separating it from tire waste. Witnesses reported seeing dark smoke plumes visible from over two miles away.
Response and Containment Efforts
The Colerain Township Fire Department, along with fire units from Ross Township and Reily Township, worked collaboratively to extinguish the fire. According to Rumpke's West Area Communications Manager, Molly Yeager, the fire was fully contained after nearly two hours of firefighting efforts. The landfill remained operational during and after the incident, with Rumpke continuing its services as normal.
Air Quality Monitoring
Following the fire, air monitoring units were deployed to assess air quality in the surrounding areas. The Colerain Township Fire Department confirmed that there were no adverse air quality alerts at the time of reporting. Residents in the vicinity were advised to close their windows to minimize exposure to smoke. Rumpke stated that it has taken steps to notify the Hamilton County General Health District and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the incident.
Potential Causes
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, Rumpke indicated that it could have been triggered by flammable items commonly found in landfills, such as propane tanks or lithium-ion batteries. The company emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal, noting that hazardous materials are not permitted at the site.
Official Statements
Rumpke's communications manager, Molly Yeager, remarked, "We're all trained to work on fires... Unfortunately, it does happen that people mistakenly put things into their trash that should not go into their trash." The Colerain Township Fire Department is continuing its investigation into the fire's cause.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the successful containment of the fire, concerns have been raised regarding the potential risks associated with improper waste disposal at landfills. Critics argue that more stringent regulations and public awareness campaigns are necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What's Next
The investigation into the fire's cause will continue, with Rumpke and local authorities collaborating to ensure safety measures are reinforced. The EPA will monitor the area for any potential long-term environmental impacts resulting from the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- "There is no adverse air quality alert at this time." — Colerain Township Fire Department
- "A variety of items such as fireworks, charcoal, propane tanks and other electronics with lithium-ion batteries can combust in trash collection trucks, recycling centers or landfills." — Rumpke Statement
- "We're all trained to work on fires... Unfortunately, it does happen that people mistakenly put things into their trash that should not go into their trash." — Molly Yeager, Rumpke Communications Manager
