SAN ANTONIO -- A private contractor hired by the state to extinguish a two-week-old mulch fire in Helotes moved into the smoldering site Tuesday.

Crews with Oil Mop set up one of several high-pressure water hoses that will be used to spray water onto the burning pile.

Terry Clawson of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said that a soap-like water solution will be sprayed onto the 80-foot pile.

"It makes the water penetrate better," Clawson said.

Crews also plan to dig trenches around the pile to catch any runoff.

"They'll be recycling the water and using it over and over again," Clawson said.

Clawson also said the contractor also plans to repress the aggravating persistent smoke and soot the fire is emitting.

Clawson said that Oil Mop plans to have the fire extinguished by Jan. 24.

The setup, though, was briefly delayed, possibly by legal action taken by the owner of the mulch.

Attorneys with Zumwalt Construction wouldn't comment on rumors that they had filed a restraining order that would prevent Oil Mop from taking over the firefighting duties from Zumwalt.

Helotes Mayor pro tempore Linda Boyer-Owens said that lawyers were in the process of discussions.

In another development, Northside School District officials said they are making plans to move 4,000 students at O'Connor High School if the Metropolitan Health District orders them moved while the fire is being put out.

District officials said a decision to move the students is expected to be made by Friday.