A fire erupted Wednesday in Kodungaiyur dumpyard in Chennai, which sent thick plumes of toxic smoke billowing into the air and burning areas of residential and commercial areas of the city and causing smoke to fill up the city’s air and prompting fire and rescue to take action in the city on Wednesday afternoon.
Fire Spreads Rapidly
According to officials, the fire started in a part of the sprawling dumpyard full of years of untreated solid waste. Due to dry, combustible materials (plastic and organic) the fire spread quickly across a large area. The fire intensified quickly and thick black smoke was blowing from the fire for hours and could be seen from several kilometers away.
More than 10 fire tenders were rushed to the scene. Firefighters have battled the fire for several hours but officials say dousing the fire may take a long time because of the depth and composition of the garbage mounds.
Health Concerns Rise
The thick smoke has caused respiratory distress in Kodungaiyur, Manali and nearby areas and the residents of Kodungaiyur and Manali have been complaining of eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and nausea. Elderly people and children are advised to stay indoors and use masks if stepping out is unavoidable. Local hospitals are on alert. Health officials are monitoring air quality levels but have not moved forward with any formal evacuation yet.
Recurring Nightmare
It’s not the first time the Kodungaiyur dumpyard has caught fire. Residents say the same things— waste management is bad and garbage has been stored in the dumpyard for decades. The dumpyard is one of the largest in Chennai and has long been a source of environmental and health problems for its neighbors. "We have been raising this issue for years," said a local activist. “These fires are a direct result of negligence. People are suffering.”
Official Response
Greater Chennai Corporation officials have assured that all resources are being used to take the situation under control. Once the fire has been extinguished, a thorough investigation will be conducted.
