Iowa City landfill fire now more than 30 percent covered

Officials in Iowa City say the "stir, burn and cover" method is working on the massive fire at the city's landfill.

The fire, which began burning on May 26, is between 30 and 40 percent covered, according to the city manager's office.

"We're making progress," said Geoff Fruin, assistant to the city manager.

Fruin said the fire could be completely covered by early next week, if weather conditions don't cause problems.  The process was put on hold Thursday morning because winds were blowing smoke in the directions of Coralville and North Liberty.

Fire is burning the rubber base of the landfill. It started after someone dropped off "a hot load of something," according to fire chief Andy Rocca.

The "stir, burn and cover" method involves using machinery to stir burning fuel, then putting a layer of clay soil on top of the burning rubber.  The rubber will likely continue to smolder under the clay, but the smoke plume will disappear, Fruin said.

Check out this LIVE view of the landfill fire: