(Source : WAVY) An underground fire at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets in James City County, Virginia, has now been burning for several days, causing ongoing smoke and air quality concerns. The fire, which began around 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, has caused significant damage to part of the shopping center’s parking lot, with a section of the lot collapsing as a result of the blaze.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to find the fire burning in an underground stormwater detention facility. The facility, made of modular high-density plastic crates, was designed to manage runoff from the parking lot, but the plastic caught fire, leading to the ongoing blaze. The fire is proving difficult to extinguish because of its location underground, and authorities have indicated that they are allowing it to burn itself out for now to avoid potential hazardous runoff.
James City County Public Information Officer Renee Dallman explained that fire crews are focusing on containing the blaze rather than putting it out, due to the challenges posed by the underground fire. “Because the location of the fire is underground, it makes it very difficult to extinguish,” Dallman said, noting that using water could create toxic runoff.
As of Tuesday, the fire was still active, and smoky conditions continued to affect the area. Local residents, especially those living nearby, have expressed concern. Genevieve Pietrzak, a local resident, said she was shocked to see such a large fire so close to her home and worried about the health impacts from the smoke.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been on-site conducting air and water quality testing to monitor the situation. According to officials, air quality tests have remained within normal limits, though the fire’s smoke may still irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Officials advise those with respiratory issues to stay indoors or use appropriate filtration masks. Testing is ongoing to ensure that local drinking water sources, such as Waller Mill Reservoir, remain unaffected by any potential contamination.
Though the fire continues to burn, the mall has remained open, and most stores resumed business as usual. However, the rear parking lot, where the fire originated, has been closed off to shoppers. No injuries have been reported, and authorities are monitoring the fire around the clock.
James City County officials have said that, for now, the best course of action is to allow the fire to burn out while closely monitoring air and water quality. They continue to urge residents to stay cautious, particularly those with respiratory issues.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and it is unclear when the blaze will be fully contained. However, officials are working with environmental agencies to minimize any potential risks to public health and the surrounding community.
