BEACONSFIELD – In yet another alarming incident, a toxic fire pit erupted in Kimberley around 21:00 on December 4, sending plumes of hazardous smoke across the city. The incident occurred between Ward 21 and Ward 25, specifically in the stormwater duct between Electra Park and Klisserville on Fabricia Road. The toxic smoke reached as far as Herlear, impacting residents across a substantial distance.
Loud Explosions Alert to Fire
Residents near the site reported hearing loud explosions, leading them to the discovery of the fire. Unfortunately, the arsonist responsible for the incident remains unidentified, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing open burning in the area.
Increase in Waste Fires in City
The recurrent problem of open burning of trash in Kimberley continues to pose a serious threat to the community. The short-term health effects resulting from exposure to trash and waste fire pits in urban environments are concerning and include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Residents also reported headaches, dizziness, and nausea in the aftermath of the toxic incident.
Health: Pneumonia, Heart Disease & Cancer
Furthermore, the long-term health consequences of exposure to trash and waste fire pits are severe, with an increased risk of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia, heart disease, cancer, damage to the nervous system, and developmental problems in children.
Pollution: Environment Impact
Apart from the health risks, these incidents also have substantial environmental impacts. Trash and waste fire pits contribute to air, water, and soil pollution, damage vegetation, result in wildlife habitat loss, and pose a serious threat to the overall well-being of the ecosystem.
It is crucial to emphasize that fire pits should only be used for burning clean, dry wood. Eg. braais. Burning trash and waste is illegal due to the serious health and environmental consequences it entails. The community is urged to call on authorities to take decisive action to protect public health and prevent further incidents.
The severity of the consequences, both in terms of health and the environment, underscores the need for immediate and robust measures to address this persistent issue in Kimberley. Authorities must prioritize the enforcement of existing regulations and explore additional steps to curb the dangerous practice of open burning in the community.