2022-007 January 15 Fire at Beneficial Reuse Compost FacilityDate of Report: January 21, 2022 Report No. 2022-007
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
January 15 Fire at Beneficial Reuse Compost Facility
BACKGROUND:
At approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, January 14, a strong weather system moved through the DFW
Metroplex bringing with it high wind conditions. Wind gusts of this magnitude are problematic in
the composting industry as they tend to increase the heat naturally generated during the composting
process, resulting in favorable conditions for a fire. Though Beneficial Reuse staff routinely
monitors the temperatures of both the active windrows and the curing piles, high winds caused by
this storm were more intense than previous weather events, causing a hot spot to combust. As a
result, embers blew into the nearby brush pile, and due to the dry condition of the brush instantly
caught fire, engulfing the pile in flames. The Beneficial Reuse Supervisor was notified of a fire at
approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, and staff from Beneficial Reuse, Solid Waste, and
the Denton Fire Department immediately responded to the scene. Due to the diligent efforts of the
Beneficial Reuse and Solid Waste teams, the fire was quickly contained, while Denton Fire
Department remained on the scene to monitor conditions.
Fire mitigation efforts began with Beneficial Reuse Heavy Equipment Operators moving unburned
materials away from the active flames, while staff from Solid Waste used their water trucks to
douse areas south of the fire to prevent further spread. The team then used the 16-yard buckets of
a front-end loader to smother out the fire. As it was extinguished, sand was used to seal off the
piles to prevent air from re-oxygenating the flames. Crews remained on the scene from
approximately 5 a.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. on Monday, working to fully extinguish the blaze.
With the fire successfully contained, the brush area resumed normal operations Monday morning
as final clean-up efforts were taking place.
DISCUSSION:
Post-incident, the Beneficial Reuse team held a “hot wash” to identify what worked well during
the response and whether there were areas of needed improvement related to the Fire Prevention
Plan. While the overall response to this event was outstanding, the team did identify some areas
where improvements could be made. The takeaways from our hot wash are listed below:
What Went Well
1. Beneficial Reuse and Solid Waste departments responded quickly and worked seamlessly
during this response. Their efforts kept the fire at bay. Staff should be commended for their
efforts.
2. The Beneficial Reuse department had a very effective Fire Response Plan AND the
response team was well trained on how to execute it.
3. Denton Fire Department responded quickly and remained on scene for the duration of the
response.
Date of Report: January 21, 2022 Report No. 2022-007
4. Inter-departmental cooperation between the Landfill, Beneficial Reuse, and the Fire
Department was flawless.
5. Communication with City leadership and City Council was clear and concise.
6. All equipment was functional.
Areas of Needed Improvement:
1. The area used for brush storage will be limited to the southernmost point of the composting
area. This will keep this material a maximum distance from any future instances. This
improvement will be complete by the end of the 1st Quarter of 2021.
2. Sand piles are being established at the northern and southern ends of the operation to
facilitate having this material in closer proximity in case it is needed for fire response. This
improvement will be complete by the end of the 1st Quarter of 2021.
3. The department needs an off-road articulating water truck with a 5,000 to 8,000-gallon
tank. Our current truck has a 3,000-gallon tank and is not good for off-road conditions.
This vehicle is currently up for replacement, but additional funding will be required to
upgrade to something more appropriate for the application. The Department will evaluate
this need as part of the 2022/23 budget process.
4. There is a need to develop maintenance contracts for our equipment. This would be in
addition to the support we receive from Fleet mechanics. Our equipment is a specialty item
and having the equipment manufacturer provide accurate reliable diagnostics performed
would reduce equipment downtime and increase productivity. The Department will work
with Public Works to evaluate this need and potentially bring it forward during the 2022/23
budget process.
STAFF CONTACT:
Stephen Gay, Director of Water Utilities
REQUESTOR:
Staff Initiated
PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS:
Beneficial Reuse, Solid Waste, Denton Fire Department
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
2 Hours