Crews will remain at Willimantic Waste Paper Co. to monitor the building for hot spots after a large fire Sunday, but officials said the fire is under control and schools are expected to reopen Tuesday.
Crews responded to 1590 West Main St. around 10:13 a.m. Sunday and town officials said the smoke plume goes went on for miles.
Due to concerns about road closures and smoke conditions, Windham Public Schools and Eastern Connecticut State University were closed on Monday, but officials said they expect schools will be open Tuesday.
As of Monday morning, smoke has decreased in the area and officials believe conditions will continue to improve.
Willimantic Waste Paper Co., Inc. is a family-owned waste and recycling company that services residential and commercial customers across Eastern Connecticut. The building is one of the largest facilities in town and is full of waste and recycling materials, making the fire difficult to contain.
DEEP officials responded to monitor air quality. A DEEP spokesman said there was some concern about toxic gases in the smoke at the scene, but air quality levels in town are safe. Anyone with pre-existing conditions or respiratory issues should stay inside.
The company is one of the largest waste management companies in the state with hundreds of employees.
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Trash trucks operated as usual Monday, reporting to other facilities.
West Main Street (Route 32) was closed, but reopened this morning.
