Neighbors complain about ash on cars, breathing problems as fire burns at Raleigh recycling plant

The fire has been burning at the Wall Recycling plant on Gresham Lake Road near Interstate 540 and Capital Boulevard.

On Wednesday, neighbors were still complaining about the smell and smoke lingering in the air from the blaze.

Officials are hoping the fire will be extinguished on Wednesday, but weather could stall those efforts.

According to the city of Raleigh, the fire was unintentional and not a controlled burn. Most of the contents under fire are mulch and tree stumps.

Concerned neighbors have called WRAL with complaints about trouble breathing and ash from smoke coating their cars.

The owner Wall Recycling said crews are working quickly to control the fire.

The state's Division of Air Quality said people sensitive to smoke should limit their time outdoors if they see or smell smoke.

Christian Martinez showed WRAL News the ash build-up on his car.

"This is the third time this week I’ve had to wash my vehicle," said Martinez. "People that live in the community breathe in the air, they’ve already had to wash their cars several times."

Wendell Fire Chief Brian Staples said the biggest culprit in getting this blaze under control would be rough winds.

"Any time it’s windy we always advise against outside burning. Wind is never a friend to outside fires," said Staples.

As parts of Raleigh remain smoky, concerned neighbors want to see Wall Recycling take accountability.

"It just seems it was irresponsible and negligible and not considerate of residents in the community," said Martinez. "At the end of the day, it does seem odd that there’s a landfill surrounded by a residential community."