Fire at landfill extinguished, but smoky conditions persist
While the blaze has been extinguished, residents may continue to battle persistent smoke emanating from beneath the landfill surface.
Msunduzi Municipality has brought under control the fire that burned for more than a week at the New England Road Landfill Site, ending the flames that threatened communities living nearby.
While the blaze has been extinguished, residents may continue to battle persistent smoke emanating from beneath the landfill surface.
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A local geologist, who asked not to be named, said the smoke was less severe than it had been during the initial stages of the fire, but warned that it could still pose a risk to nearby communities.
In the morning there was still a noticeable haze. Because it is winter, cooler air traps the smoke at the bottom of the valley, meaning people living on higher ground are less affected.
“However, those living close to the landfill site are likely to experience the impact during the evenings and early mornings, when the smoke concentration increases as it remains trapped near the ground,” said the geologist.
He said although the visible smoke has subsided, landfill fires can continue to smoulder beneath the surface for weeks or even months, releasing gases generated by the decomposition of waste.
“Prolonged exposure to the smoke may irritate the eyes, nose and throat, while people with asthma, chronic respiratory conditions, the elderly and young children may experience greater difficulty breathing.
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“Once we receive rainfall, the higher humidity and changing atmospheric conditions could cause the smoke to linger closer to the ground, increasing its concentration in low-lying areas and making breathing more difficult for nearby residents,” he said.
Msunduzi Municipality acting spokesperson Mpume Mthembu said the landfill fire was successfully extinguished.
She said that fire officials continue to monitor the site daily, including during the evenings, for any signs of smoke or any indication of a deep-seated fire present.
The municipality has ensured adequate covering and compaction as part of the efforts to reduce the risk of future fires and to prevent further Section 30 incidents in line with the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
ALSO READ | Fire crews contain New England Road Landfill Site blaze as investigation continues
Msunduzi warned that in the winter fire season, bush and veld fires remained a possibility across the city, and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any fire incidents immediately to Msunduzi Fire and Rescue Services on 080 003 3911.
