More than 200 firefighters worked through the night Tuesday to contain the five-alarm blaze.
The West Shore Highway had to be completely shut down Monday when smoke covered the roadway and blocked visibility.
The fire, fueled by the remnants of Hurricane Irene, caused frustration for drivers and provided plenty of work for firefighters. Debris from the hurricane was hauled to the landfill last summer, and after a winter without much snow or rain, it was dry and ripe for burning.
Firefighters say it was a challenge to put the fire down.
"No snow keeping it moist through the winter, and no rain," FDNY Deputy Chief Roger Sakowich said. "I don't think you had this dryness like this, and the hurricane, with the amount of compost you had."
There was no threat to homes in the area, officials said.
Firefighters also battled pockets of brush fire in Gateway Park in Great Kills, near Grayson Street.
Three firefighters suffered minor injuries, including smoke inhalation and exhaustion.
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of brush fires:
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