The fire of the landfill in Siemianowice Śląski is contained, no longer spreads, firefighters gradually reduce its area – said the commander of the Provincial PSP in Katowice St. He pointed out that it was hard to foretell how long the firefighting operation would last.
As in the case of the fire of the toxic waste landfill in Zielona Góra, the Silesian Voivodeship Marek Wójcik assured that the air monitoring data did not show that hazardous substances concentrations were exceeded.
The Meteorological Modeling Center IMGW-PIB published modeling of contamination dispersion from the fire in Siemianowice Śląski.
We remind you that the fire in Siemianowice Śląski broke out about 9 a.m. at 2 Liberation Street in Michałkowice district. The fire covered an full landfill of about 5,000 square meters, which produced a immense pillar of black smoke visible besides from neighboring cities.
During the afternoon press conference, Chief Kruczek reported that more than 100 rescuers were active in the fire-fighting operation, including 40 units of the State Fire defender (PSP) and Volunteer Fire Service (SP). Firefighters usage water cannons from both the ground and the ladder to extinguish the fire from both sides.
– The full fire had an area of over 5,000 sqm. Today, thanks to our actions, the area of the fire is gradually reduced, from metro per metre we decision into its centre with the hope that we can extinguish it – He described it.
What was on fire? Not known
The chief noted that it is not full known what substances were stored in the landfill, and any of them burn very intensely, making it hard to extinguish, sometimes leading to even an explosion. For this reason, it is hard to foretell how long the firefighting action will take. However, the fire has already been contained and there is no danger of its further spread," he added. The Chief besides stressed that firefighters have adequate water mains with adequate efficiency.
Wojewódka Wójcik, during the press briefing, stated that despite the disturbing appearance of the situation, environmental monitoring showed no threat to residents. Data from GIÓŚ measuring stations are analysed, which at present have not shown a crucial increase in concentrations of hazardous substances.
The PSP mobile laboratory checks the air condition both close the fire site and in another parts of Siemianowice Śląski, without indicating the concentration of hazardous substances being exceeded. A specialist unit from Kędzierzyn-Koźla conducts on-site investigation and will shortly join an additional car-laboratory. The voivode announced the continuation of air monitoring throughout the weekend.
– We will grow this area of air control in the agglomeration, not only in Siemianowice, but besides in the surrounding cities. We want to be certain about the air condition not only in the place where the fire broke out, but besides in the cities of agglomeration – indicated the voivode. He added that the message of the Government safety Center, which appealed to the people of the region not to approach the site of the fire, best stayed at home and closed the windows, is inactive valid.
When asked what substances were stored in this place, Wójcik undertook to supply detailed information at a later date. According to his words and data of the Silesian Provincial Office, the landfill at the Liberation Street was open from 2016 to 2019, erstwhile illegal landfill practices were revealed and administrative actions were taken to identify the perpetrators.
– specified arrangements have already been made, but at the minute (...) I do not want to present them, I will leave it for a later press conference – said the voivode.
According to Jan Grygier from the Polish Water Company, for the moment, no contamination from the landfill was detected in the surrounding watercourses – Rowu Michałkowice and Brynica.
– They have been protected against the spread of pollution, we will conduct current monitoring – He promised.
Insp. Waldemar Wierzycki, Chief of Police in Siemianowice, stated that the area around the fire site is secured by the police, preventing access by outsiders and ensuring the free passage of fire trucks. At the same time, the officers carry out procedural activities under the supervision of the prosecution.
According to estimates by the Siemianowice Śląski authorities, about 5 1000 tonnes of different substances were illegally collected in the landfill at the Liberation Street in various containers, as well as akin quantities of plastic waste.
Read more:
The toxic cloud over Poland is the consequence of a fire in Siemianowice. IMGW presents a simulation of cloud movement