An air quality alert has been issued as a fire continues to burn at an Orrington trash facility.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert, as smoke from the fire settles in Midcoast and Downeast Maine, leading to poor air quality.

The flames broke out at Eagle Point Energy Center on Industrial Way around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The fire chief says crews have been unable to get in the building to remove a 40-foot-tall ash pile due to safety concerns.

The air quality alert is in effect through midnight tonight for Penobscot, Waldo, Lincoln, and Knox counties. Smoke is more likely closer to the facility and in the Penobscot Valley, but all areas nearby may be impacted.