(Ringgold, Va.) — A huge fire at a Ringgold landfill was brought under control early Thursday morning, but it took volunteer firefighters nearly 5 hours to get a handle on the blaze.

Flames spread rapidly and had already charred a large section of the First Piedmont Corporation Landfill on Clarks Mill Road when the first units reached the scene about 7:20 Wednesday night.

Ringgold Volunteer fire Chief Mike Neal says they were assisted by firefighters from six agencies in Pittsylvania County, along with Turbeville and Milton, N.C.

Dozens of firefighters pumped thousands of gallons of water before finally containing the flames. Landfill crews dumped loads of dirt to encircle the fire and contain the conflagration.

No one was injured and Neal says it’s believed the fire may have started spontaneously in some combustibles as a result of the heat.

Neighbors say there have been other fires at the landfill but this is the largest they can recall.