A landfill that has been burning for more than a month in south Fulton County has residents fearing for their health, according to Channel 2 Action News.
"I cannot even walk outside without putting a mask on," said 85-year-old Helen Goddard, who is already battling leukemia.
Firefighters were first called to a woods fire Sept. 20 at the landfill in the 7600 block of Bishop Road, the news station reported.
Fairburn city officials said in a Facebook post that the fire was expected to burn for days.
However, the continued burning has altered the lives of residents.
"We have a little 4-year-old grandchild that would love to live outside if he could, but unfortunately we have to keep him indoors," resident Deborah Stephens said.
Residents say the smell of the burning debris makes it difficult to breathe.
"You call EPA, they say call code enforcement,” Goddard said. “Code enforcement has done nothing."
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is investigating, spokesman Kevin Chambers confirmed to AJC.com.
“It was a recycling facility, but evolved into an unpermitted solid waste handling operation. The owner has been uncooperative and we are now working on formal enforcement action to bring the facility into compliance with state rules and law,” Chambers said.
Residents said they want the landfill shut down.
"How would it feel if you couldn't go to church without people smelling you,” Goddard said. “I have to wash everything that I own.”
The landfill owner would not comment to Channel 2.
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