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The Amarillo City Council has approved hiring an outside company to conduct an independent evaluation of operations at the city landfill following the devastating Stinky Fire that began at the site nearly three weeks ago.
The wildfire resulted in damage or destruction to 77 homes and prompted widespread concern throughout the community. In response, city leaders are seeking a comprehensive review of landfill practices and procedures to determine whether operational improvements are needed.
Councilmembers approved the assessment and recommendation process during a recent meeting. The decision follows calls from Mayor Cole Stanley and Councilmember Don Tipps, who requested a third-party review during a press conference held while firefighters were still battling the blaze.
City officials say an internal evaluation is already underway, led by City Manager Donnie Hooper. That review includes examining landfill policies, operational procedures, equipment, and overall site conditions. Officials are also looking back several months to identify any deficiencies that may have existed and determine what corrective actions should be taken moving forward.
However, city leaders believe an external review is necessary to provide transparency and reassure residents that all aspects of landfill operations are being thoroughly examined. The independent assessment is intended to complement the city's internal review and provide an unbiased evaluation of current practices.
Multiple agencies are also conducting investigations related to the fire. The Texas Fire Marshal’s Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the City of Amarillo are each reviewing the circumstances surrounding the landfill and the cause of the Stinky Fire. City officials have indicated that findings from those investigations will be released once they are completed.
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