The drama started when one commercial compost heap which measured 40 metres by 15 metres caught fire yesterday evening in close proximity to other compost heaps.
Acomb and York fire crews answered the 999 call and tackled the blaze.
Because of the strong winds, they feared the fire would spread to the other heaps and used their main jets to stop them from igniting.
After the blaze was extinguished and the fire crews made sure that it was safe for them to leave, onsite staff monitored the heap for the rest of the night.
Acomb firefighters will return to the site to carry out checks today.
Tinker Lane is off the B1224 just outside Rufforth and leads to Harewood Whin Waste Transfer Station and the Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Centre.
The cause has not been revealed. Large compost heaps can combust spontaneously.