ELKHART, Ind. — Waste Management’s Earthmover landfill, located about 150 miles north of Indianapolis in Elkhart, Indiana caught fire early this morning and was still burning at 10 a.m, sending plums of smoke throughout the area.

The landfill does not house any hazardous materials, but area residents are being encouraged to stay inside with their windows closed, according to a National Weather Service of Northern Indiana tweet. 

“The cause of the fire, which has not been determined, is still burning and requiring additional resources to address the situation as well as concerns to the community,” said Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Jim Bradberry. “Though the landfill does not accept hazardous materials, it is recommended that residents shelter in place west and northwest of the fire as far as Bristol Street in Elkhart.”

There are roughly 8,000 landfill fires a year in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. It can be difficult to put landfill fires out and if left to smolder, emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and volatile organics can become dangerous. 

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the wind was blowing slightly northwest at a speed of about 10 to 15 mph, according to Amos Dodson, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Syracuse.

“We’re not expecting a large change in wind direction. Later in the day, it may shift some and will probably be coming more from the south and blowing toward the north,” Dodson said.

In a later statement released at noon, Bradberry said the fire is contained to less than one acre and is only “knee high.”

“There is not an estimated time of when the fire will be completely put out and residents in the area should continue to shelter in place west and northwest of the site as far as Bristol St. in Elkhart,” Bradberry said.

The Elkhart County Correctional facility announced they will close the main lobby to the public for the rest of the day, after smoke from the fire was drawn through the front door. The smoke has not affected the housing units of the facility, however, the sheriff’s department will continue to assess the situation for health risks to inmates and staff.