MOOSIC -- Crews are responding to a smoky fire in Lackawanna County.
Black smoke can be seen for miles south of Scranton.
Officers with the Moosic Police Department said the thick, dark smoke was caused by a tire fire.
"The smoke is everywhere. Everybody was taking pictures to see what it is," Brianna Hopkins, a teacher at Hildebrandt Learning Center in Moosic, said.
Police said the tires that were on fire were illegally dumped in an area that was not near any homes or businesses. The fire began in a spot not far off Interstate 81.
"It is in an area in the woods, how far back I'm not certain, fire units are back there," Sgt. John Chilleri of the Moosic Police Department said.
Tankers with the Greenwood Fire Department were called in to put the fire out around 1 p.m.
Teachers at the Hildebrandt Learning Center said they were shocked by the sight of it.
"I didn't know if maybe we were going to have to leave early and get the kids out if it was something dangerous," Hopkins said.
Teachers said you could still smell the smoke even hours after the fire started.
"The smell is terrible out here, it's absolutely terrible," Hopkins said.
Police said criminal charges could be filed for this case, once they find out who was responsible for this.
"It is considered trespassing, illegal dumping, and also with the fire itself can be criminal charges filed," Sgt. Chilleri said.
If you have any information about this case, you're asked to contact the Moosic Police Department.