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Laveen mulch fire reduces air quality

A large mulch fire is still smoking in Laveen, nearly 24 hours after the blaze broke out. When the fire began yesterday afternoon south of Phoenix, dozens of firefighters responded. No homes or structures are considered in danger, but Ben Davis of the Maricopa County Air Quality Department said local air quality has been affected by a large, dark cloud.

He said shifting winds are causing pollution levels to fluctuate greatly. He described it as a “campfire” situation.

“Where, if you’re next to the plume, you’re not going to notice it until the plume hits you,” Davis explained.

Davis recommends that people in the way of the smoke stay indoors and run their air conditioner to combat the pollution.