The more than 270-foot Brookhaven landfill caught fire Wednesday, and it could be in part because of the weather.

Adrienne Esposito, with Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said “Unfortunately, we have perfect condition for fires because we have drought and very high temperatures.”

Esposito says landfill fires like this can release toxins into the air.

As News 12 has reported, the Brookhaven Landfill has faced years of scrutiny.

It's been cited for violations by the state in the past.

Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico says the site is still accepting construction debris and ash from waste that has been burned down.

He says the landfill is slated to close in the coming years.

“2028 is our best estimate," he says. "It will receive its final cap and that will be the end of the Brookhaven landfill.”