CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- If you've ever driven down I-86 near Lowman, you might've seen a torch-like flame off the side of the highway.  However, there is no need to be alarmed or call 911.  The flame is from the Casella landfill off exit 58.

"We're trying to find some sort of solution of how to manage this, because this flame will be burning another 18 months to two years at least, before it becomes part of the Casella energy project with the county.  So we're looking at different avenues of possibly getting this thing well known, so that people don't call 911," said Rodney Strange, the Legislator for the 15th District of Chemung County.  Strange initially raised concern over this issue on Facebook.

Casella Waste Systems says the flare is almost 40 feet tall, and is a safe structure.  They say it plays an important part in making sure the landfill operates safely.  It helps disperse methane gas.

"We collect that gas through a vacuum system in the landfill, and we flare it off because methane is a greenhouse gas.  To help control odors and eliminate some of that greenhouse gas, we run that flare," said Larry Shilling, the vice president of Casella Waste Systems.

If you don't know what the flare is, it can look concerning from afar.  The Chemung Volunteer Fire Department says they had 18 calls in 2023 that were people thinking the torch was a structure fire.  This puts a strain on resources, and affects the fire department's ability to go to other calls.

"Depending how dispatch rings it in, it either comes in as a reported structure fire or unknown type fire. Either way, we roll all of our trucks like its a normal structure fire, we empty the station until one of us gets there and figures out if its a real fire or not," said Chief David Dobrzensky from the Chemung Volunteer Fire Department.

There are some signs on the side of the highway reading 'landfill flame visible'.  However, they could be easy to miss while driving.  Strange says there could potentially be a solution to this problem, like bigger signs for example.

"We're looking at other suggestions. Possibly signs on private property, on the interstate, but not on interstate property," said Strange.

The Chemung Volunteer Fire Department said they had the first call of 2024 about the landfill torch on January 2nd.  Chief Dobrzensky says its good to be aware that these particular flames are not reason to call 911, but emphasizes that 911 should be called if you think there is a real fire or need for emergency services.