PHOTOS: A large compost pile fire at the Big Lake Public Works facility drew a multi-department response throughout the day Saturday โ and flared up again late that night โ according to Big Lake Police. The initial fire was reported shortly after 8 a.m. at the facility on 198th Avenue, sending a tall column of smoke into the air that was visible across town.
Firefighters from Big Lake were joined by crews from Monticello, Becker, and Elk River, who responded with tenders, utility trucks, and personnel to help knock down the burning compost pile. Crews used aerial and ground lines to cool and break apart the material, keeping the fire contained to the compost pile and preventing damage to any structures.
By midafternoon, firefighters reported the blaze was largely knocked down, with only a few remaining hotspots. Monticelloโs crew cleared its final tender from the scene around 1 p.m., according to Monticello Fire Department representative and firefighter Cody Robinson.
