Compost Heap Fire Fouls Ventura’s Air
A smoldering compost heap near Ventura that may burn for weeks prompted warnings Tuesday for people with breathing problems to stay indoors, as billowing, foul-smelling smoke spread into populated areas.
The three-acre fire, ignited in mounds of straw and horse manure at PictSweet Mushroom Farm, sent large clouds of acrid smoke across parts of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura and Camarillo.
Public health officials warned schools to cancel some outdoor activities.
Officials are seeking the least-intrusive method of dousing the fire. If it weren’t in a populated area, such a fire typically would be allowed to burn itself out.
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