An underground fire in a Virginia shopping center parking lot is raising health, water and air quality concerns, with residents reporting thick smoke and a strong odor in the area.
Smoke is still billowing from the ground several days after a fire broke out Saturday morning at Williamsburg Premium Outlets in James City County.
Newsweek reached out to Simon Property Group, which owns the outlets, regarding shop closures but has yet to receive a response.
"As of 9 a.m. today, November 27, higher humidity in the area is causing smokier conditions than what has been seen during this event," James City County said in a statement. "Humidity is expected to drop below 50% this afternoon and conditions should improve."
James City County officials say air monitoring and water sampling continue to show safe levels. The James City County Fire Department, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ's) Office of Pollution Response and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are still on the scene.
Newsweek contacted the agencies involved, but they have not yet provided a response.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the smell of smoke and haze in the area due to this incident is encouraged to contact Chief Kenny Lamm at 757-220-6226.
Health Officials: Water Safe, Smoke Poses Risks
The Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water (ODW) has been monitoring updates from the EPA and DEQ since the incident began on November 23. ODW confirmed drainage from the outlet mall will not affect local drinking water sources, including Waller Mill Reservoir and Walkers Dam, according to the press release.
Officials will continue sampling to ensure the water remains safe.
Preliminary air quality monitoring shows levels within normal ranges for a fire, but experts warn smoke inhalation can still irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Health officials advise residents in the surrounding community, especially those with respiratory issues, to stay indoors or avoid the area.
What Happened?
The James City County Fire Department responded to a reported underground fire at Premium Outlets around 9 a.m. Saturday, November 23. Crews arrived to find a partial collapse of the parking lot behind the stores and an active fire underground, according to the press release.
The fire broke out in an underground stormwater chamber made of modular high-density plastic crates. The chamber stores stormwater runoff from the front parking lot of the outlets but does not connect to any sewage system.
Modular high-density plastic crates are interlocking, stackable containers made from durable plastic, typically used in stormwater management systems. These crates are designed to store and manage water runoff by creating underground void spaces, allowing water to temporarily accumulate and slowly drain or be filtered.
Out of caution due to smoke, officials evacuated area businesses. By Sunday, November 24, nearby businesses decided independently whether to reopen to the public.
On November 25, authorities reported, "The cause of the fire is unknown."
Newsweek contacted James City County Fire Chief to inquire if they had determined the fire's origin.
Virginia Natural Gas secured the natural gas line near the affected area and is on-site. Authorities disconnected electricity in the area for safety.
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