FIRE fighters continue to battle a blaze in Moss Vale on Monday.
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At about 2.15am, Highlands firies received a call out for a fire at the council's Resource Recovery Centre (RCC) on Berrima Road.
The blaze continues on Monday afternoon and smoke is still affecting the area.
The Southern Highland News received several inquires about the safety of animals at the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter.
The shelter is based adjacent to the RRC.
A council spokesperson said the animals were okay as the smoke was mainly blowing in the opposite direction to the shelter.
The spokesperson said no animals were at risk.
If that situation changed, the spokesperson said a contingency plan was in place to relocate the animals from the shelter.
"The animals have shown no signs of stress," they said.
A Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) media spokesperson said fire fighters received a call about a large pile of mulch being alight at the RCC.
The spokesperson said it was a "deep seated fire", which meant the blaze was within rubbish at the site.
They said this made the extinguishing operation more complex for fire fighters.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The spokesperson said fire fighters would remain at the scene for several hours to contain the blaze.
Smoke in area
RESIDENTS are advised there is smoke and a haze along Berrima Road.
Strong winds have provided complications for fire fighters.
A FRNSW spokesperson warned the smoke could also affect the residential and commercial areas of Moss Vale in the coming hours.
Residents living with asthma or similar health issues are advised to stay indoors.
RRC closed
A COUNCIL spokesman advised the RRC would be closed for the rest of Monday.
He said there was no damage to any other facilities or buildings.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has been advised of the incident and will monitor the situation.
The RRC gates will re-open as per normal at 7.30am on Tuesday, July 26.
Normal residential collection services unaffected.
Council reminds nearby residents that due to the high volume of water used to extinguish the flames,
some immediate premises may experience temporary incidents of dirty water until pressure normalises.
Council apologies for any inconvenience.
* Click here to view a gallery of photos from Monday's fire in Moss Vale.
