White Bluff residents have faced a week of smoke and strong odors after a large load of mulch was dumped and began smoldering at Veterans Memorial Park. Crews have applied about 150 loads of dirt to suffocate the pile, and TDEC, which visited on Nov. 12, identified burned wood chips as the source and noted the site is more than 200 feet from occupied buildings. Officials say the smoke is diminishing and expect to cover the site with topsoil within the next few days. Neighbors reported nausea, headaches and coughing, and town authorities are investigating the incident.
Week-Long Smoke in White Bluff from Smoldering Mulch Pile; Crews Bury Pile with 150 Loads of Dirt
White Bluff residents have faced a week of smoke and strong odors after a large load of mulch was dumped and began smoldering at Veterans Memorial Park. Crews have applied about 150 loads of dirt to suffocate the pile, and TDEC, which visited on Nov. 12, identified burned wood chips as the source and noted the site is more than 200 feet from occupied buildings. Officials say the smoke is diminishing and expect to cover the site with topsoil within the next few days. Neighbors reported nausea, headaches and coughing, and town authorities are investigating the incident.
04:18 AM, 11/15/2025Environment
Smoldering mulch pile sends smoke, odors across White Bluff
WHITE BLUFF, Tenn. — Residents of White Bluff have endured a week of persistent smoke and strong odors after a large load of mulch was dumped behind the town ballpark and began smoldering over the weekend.
Neighbors say the first sign was a heavy, lingering smell, followed by a haze of smoke that drifted across nearby streets and into homes and businesses. Town officials say the material was deposited by a third party unaffiliated with the municipality and began smoldering at Veterans Memorial Park, where there is a designated area for approved fill material.
“It smells like heavy burning leaves, but it’s so strong it overpowers you when you get close,” said resident DeAnna Smith.
“It was very woody and there were some chemical smells mixed into it, almost like plastic burning,” said Starrlite DeCook, co-owner of Fat Tiger Korean BBQ.
Town crews have placed approximately 150 loads of dirt on top of the mulch over the past two days to cut off oxygen and try to extinguish the smoldering. Officials said the smoldering is contained to the site and the town's primary focus is to quench the material safely and efficiently.
The town is coordinating with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). TDEC visited the site on November 12, and the Division of Air Pollution Control determined the smoke came from burned wood chips — a material that falls under allowable burning in the department’s regulations. TDEC also reported the burn site is more than 200 feet from any occupied building.
Officials said the smoke has been lessening and that the town expects to cover the pile completely with topsoil within the next few days. The mayor and the White Bluff fire chief have referred additional questions to the town attorney, who said authorities are investigating the cause and the party responsible for dumping the mulch.
Nearby residents and business owners reported health concerns they attribute to the smoke, including nausea, headaches, sore throats and coughing. One restaurant owner said the smoke entered the dining area, leaving a haze that affected patrons and staff for hours.
Neighbors urged the town to tighten controls at the fill site, improve monitoring of materials dumped there, and establish clearer protocols to prevent similar incidents. Town officials say they are addressing the situation in coordination with TDEC and expect remediation to be completed soon.
Note: Authorities recommend anyone experiencing persistent or severe respiratory symptoms consult a healthcare provider.