(La Porte, IN) - La Porte firefighters wrapped things up this morning at a composting pile fire that's been burning since Sunday.  The decision to conclude firefighting operations was made about 7 a.m.

La Porte Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Burke said much of the burning pile on Zigler Road near the fairgrounds was spread out by heavy machinery and doused with water.

“We’ve done about as much as we can do,” Burke said.

Burke also said the La Porte County Solid Waste District will decide whether to have the remaining part of the still burning pile spread out.  For now, though, the situation is manageable but firefighters will return, of course, if called back, he said. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown.  Spontaneous combustion from heat generated by decaying grass clippings, leaves and logs along with lightning are believed to be among the possibilities.