What is the risk?
Fires at waste sites pose significant risks due to the diverse and often hazardous materials present. Some of these risks include:
Fires can release toxic smoke and gases, posing serious health risks to workers and nearby residents. Inhalation of these substances can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
Waste fires release pollutants into the air, soil, and water. These pollutants can include toxic fumes, particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and hazardous chemicals. The environmental impact can be severe, affecting local ecosystems and contributing to air and water pollution.
The high thermal energy from fires can cause extensive damage to waste management facilities and surrounding properties.
Fires can disrupt waste management operations, leading to significant financial losses and service interruptions.
Certain materials, such as lithium batteries and aerosol cans, can explode when exposed to high temperatures, exacerbating the fire.
Waste sites often contain flammable materials like paper, plastics, and chemicals, which can easily ignite and spread the fire.
Local risk rating: High
What does the Local Resilience Forum do to prepare?
Many waste sites are managed by professional operators, which strictly adhere to regulations and good practice in controlling hazards on site. These sites are also management and regulated by the appropriate authorities across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Local Resilience Forum.
There are certain sites, such as Ashfield Tyre Recycling depot (Romsey), which have been identified locally. The Local Resilience Forum have established a bespoke multi agency plan.
- Public health impacts on responders and communities
- The public being evacuated or sheltering in place
- Environmental impacts
- Pollution of surface and groundwater
- Road closures
- High demand on fire and rescue services and other agency resources
- Large-scale financial losses and disruption
How can you prepare?
Before
Dispose of batteries using designated battery recycling points.
During
Go in
Stay in
Tune in
