Last week (3rd June 2020) multiple crews were called to a fire on Wentloog Road, St Mellons in Cardiff. Upon arrival firefighters were faced with a derelict caravan on fire, which had consequently spread to nearing trees.
The fire is suspected to have been caused deliberately and the Fire Crime Team from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have since been monitoring the site which currently has approximately 25 tonnes of rubbish dumped, including four caravans.
Fly tipping within the area has grown dramatically over the past two weeks and the team have been liaising with the local authority and Natural Resources Wales to clean up the site and avoid further potential fires.
Head Community Safety and Partnerships for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Dean Loader said: ‘One or two bags of rubbish or a piece of furniture dumped can attract more – there is a cost to us all, a drain on emergency services resources, environmental damage, loss of wildlife and risk to property and life especially during this time of national crisis. I would like to remind residents that they do have a legal obligation to take all reasonable measures to ensure that their waste is disposed of properly. We recommend to always using registered waste carrier and to check for a permit, license or exemption.”
What may have been intended to be just a small fire, or just a bit of fun, can quickly spread to become out of control, where on this occasion forestry was damaged.
Last year, there were nearly 4000 rubbish fires across Wales, with the main causes being household bin bags, fly tipped furniture and litter which are consequently being deliberately set alight.
Rubbish fires are extremely dangerous and can lead to a strain on resources, when there could be other emergencies where lives are in danger.
There is no excuse for fly tipping. If you choose to dump rubbish you could be fueling the fire and choosing to contribute to a tragedy. Please take responsibility and ensure your waste is disposed of correctly.
Always use a registered waste carrier. Please #DontFuelTheFire
