WINCHESTER, Ky. (LEX 18) — A massive blaze at a recycling center just over the Fayette County line in Clark County continued burning Saturday, shutting down a key highway and threatening area neighborhoods with evacuation due to poor air quality.
Clark County Fire Battalion Chief William Jordan said Saturday that the air quality near the fire was just nearing a level that would require evacuations.
State emergency response officials ordered residents in the Wayland Heights neighborhood to close windows, turn off air conditioning units and stay indoors.
Jordan advised residents to remain watchful and stay close to phones and social media for any changes.
He said 12 counties have sent aid and personnel to fight the fire, which broke out Saturday around 4 p.m. at Stuff Recycling in Winchester.
No injuries have been reported.
Emergency management says U.S. Highway 60 will remain closed until further notice, starting at Combs Ferry Road and Clintonville Road.
The Federal Aviation Administration has put out a no-fly restriction in a mile radius of this fire, Jordan said.
A black column of smoke from the fire could be seen from miles around on Saturday. Neighbors say when the fire first started, they heard loud booms.
The Clark County-Winchester Emergency Management director says a pile of car parts and upholstery is fueling the fire.
He said gasoline may have been in some of the car parts.
