Most of the fire at the tire recycling plant in Watertown is under control, however, firefighters continue to work on the blaze. Now, new concerns arise from the effects of humidity on the accumulated smoke.
The humid weather keeps the smoke close to the ground. While authorities advise residents to avoid outside activities, people with respiratory or cardiac problems are especially at risk and should stay inside.
Firefighters are going through about 10,000 gallons of water per minute and they say any added moisture helps. Jennifer Warmke from Emergency Management says, "It's definitely a positive thing for farmers, but any kind of moisture that would come down and douse it would help, however we need a large amount of rain in order to put this fire out."
Even though the fire has been contained, firefighters from about 40 departments are currently working to control hotspots.
Authorities still do not know what caused the blaze.
