The City of Amarillo released a video update from City Manager Grayson Path addressing the response to the recent wildfire tied to the city landfill and outlining the steps the city plans to take following a notice of violation from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
According to Path, the TCEQ issued the notice of violation to the city at the end of April in connection with operations at the Amarillo landfill. However, Path said he did not receive the notice before May 20.
Path explained that a fire at the landfill began at some point before it was discovered Sunday, when the landfill was closed and not in service. Emergency crews responded immediately, and firefighting operations continued until a specialized crew arrived Monday to assist with containment efforts.
He noted that fires are not unusual at landfill sites because discarded materials can include combustible items mixed among waste.
“In response to this notice of violation I am initiating a thorough review of our landfill operations. We will be looking closely at what happened, when it happened, who knew what and when, and the circumstances behind this violation,” Path said. “We will work with TCEQ as we do this.”
According to findings from the TCEQ, investigators identified concerns at the Amarillo landfill involving exposed waste and deficiencies in landfill cover practices. The report specifically cites:
Failure to apply six inches of well-compacted earthen material to deposited waste to control disease vectors, fires, odors, windblown litter or waste, and scavenging.
Path said he had not been informed of any compliance concerns related to the landfill before the fire occurred.
“As city manager, I am ultimately responsible for how our organization performs, and I take that responsibility seriously,” he said.
As of May 21, Path said the city had received encouraging reports regarding fire suppression efforts. Contractors remain on site and will continue working until the fire is completely extinguished.
The wildfire spread beyond the landfill into Potter County, impacting neighborhoods in the area. Officials reported that by 7:37 p.m. on May 21, the fire had burned approximately 2,335 acres and was 100% contained.
Preliminary damage assessments from Potter County officials and Amarillo Office of Emergency Management showed that 52 homes were destroyed. One additional home sustained heavy damage, while seven others suffered minor damage. Officials also reported that 17 additional homes in the surrounding area were affected.
The incident has raised questions about landfill oversight and emergency response procedures as city leaders begin reviewing operations connected to the violation notice and subsequent fire.
The TCEQ notice and the city’s internal review are expected to play a key role in determining whether operational changes or additional safeguards will be implemented at the landfill moving forward.
Residents impacted by the wildfire continue to assess damage and begin recovery efforts while local officials coordinate ongoing support and cleanup operations.
Watch the full video of Grayson Path's response:
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