Fire at a landfill in Atyrau completely extinguished — the blaze was contained within the site and posed no threat to residents.
HOW THE SITUATION UNFOLDED
The fire engulfed approximately 2,500 square metres of the solid waste landfill site. A total of 65 people and 35 pieces of equipment took part in extinguishing it — employees of the Department for Emergency Situations (DES) of Atyrau Region and workers from SpecAvtoBaza LLP. Firefighters quickly eliminated the sources of ignition.
Earlier, the media reported that smoke at the landfill was noticed on 7 April at around 07:30. Smouldering waste was recorded at the scene. It is noted that the situation was under control from the outset, and no reports of casualties were received.
THREAT TO THE POPULATION
After the fire was extinguished, no threat was recorded to residents, nor to social and engineering infrastructure facilities. Monitoring continues on site to prevent re-ignition.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE LANDFILL ITSELF
The solid waste landfill was commissioned in 1977. According to the latest data, approximately 3.5 million tonnes of waste have accumulated over an area of about 35 hectares. The cause of the fire has not been specified.
MODERNISATION PLANS
A programme to modernise the waste management system is being implemented in the region. As part of this, contractors have already been appointed:
- for the construction of a new landfill covering 50 hectares;
- for the reclamation of the existing site.