Casper Fire-EMS and other crews extinguished a small fire that occurred in the wood chip grinder at the City of Casper's Solid Waste Facility on Monday afternoon, according to a news release from the Casper City Manager's Office.

It started at 2:18 p.m., when a piece of foreign debris passed through the grinder.

The operator of the grinder quickly recognized a fire started and began to extinguish it by using dirt and a facility water truck.

Solid Waste Division personnel had extinguished it by the time firefighters arrived at 2:31 p.m. Solid Waste personnel and firefighters continued to apply water and segregate the affected area to make sure it was out.

Solid Waste and Casper Fire-EMS personnel will remain on scene and monitor the area and surrounding areas throughout the rest of the day and overnight.

The fire evoked memories of the Station Fire, better known as the Cole Creek Fire, in October 2015.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, sparks from the grinder started a smoldering fire in a compost pile. The fire erupted the next day aggravated by 50 mph winds that burned over 10,000 acres, destroyed houses and other structures, and killed livestock.

The City of Casper has received more than $2.5 million in claims for damages from individuals, families and several businesses.

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