MPs appeal for action over costly waste fires

Nick Smith, the Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent quoted the figure in a debate about fires at waste sites in the House of Commons yesterday (September 3), following a high profile blaze at a site in his constituency in February 2013, which lasted for around 10 days.

Mr Smith claimed that fires at waste sites can have ‘far-reaching’ impacts, “way beyond a 999 call and a few hours’ attendance by the local fire crew” and outlined his research into the issue which included freedom of information requests to fire authorities over the cost of tackling waste fires.

Based on his research the MP estimated that the cost of tackling waste fires could be as much as £49,000 for every individual incident, with larger scale fires costing significantly more. He has therefore called for a nationwide data system to share information on the cost of tackling waste fires.

Addressing the House, including Defra minister Dan Rogerson, Mr Smith said: “If we want to tackle this problem in the future, we need an agreed nationwide system, perhaps developed with the National Audit Office that is transparent, credible and allows regions to share data and better understand the costs of these sorts of fires.”

Support

His calls were backed by Liberal Democrat Sir Alan Beith MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, whose own constituency houses a carpet waste site which burned for around five months, after igniting in September 2013 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Sir Alan also called for a national insurance or bond system which firms would pay into to prevent the burden of costs falling back onto the taxpayer in cases where companies have gone into liquidation or do not have appropriate site insurance. He also said that proof of insurance should be a requirement when permits are issued to allow sites to operate.

Screening

Responding to the comments from MPs, Mr Rogerson said that the Environment Agency had been charged with identifying sites where there was deemed to be a high risk of fire, and working with site operators to prevent fires from starting.

He said: “The Environment Agency set up a waste fires task and finish group last year to review actions needed to address the risk of fires at the waste sites that it regulates. As part of that work, the Agency conducted a screening exercise to identify sites where there was an increased risk of a significant fire and/or sites that posed a significant hazard to people and the environment should a fire break out, so we are looking at risk and likely severity of impact.

“That screening exercise has identified 80 waste sites in England that would pose a very high risk of impact if a fire were to occur. The Agency is taking action to reduce risks at those sites to acceptable levels, and I am seeking regular updates on progress.”

Mr Rogerson also outlined work that is being carried out by industry through the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA), including draft guidance aimed at curbing the number of fires at waste facilities (see letsrecycle.com story). A final version of the guidance is due to be published this autumn.