Waste fires in Latvia during last years

Abstract

The report provides information on the fire statistics of recent years and their possible causes related to waste management in Latvia. The origin of fires and the requirements of the State Environmental Service for their prevention are analyzed.
It is shown that the most common sources of fire are:
• Ignition in waste storage areas from an external cause
• Self-ignition of biodegradable waste caused by accumulation of methane gas
• The spread of waste burning is promoted by - a large amount of easily combustible waste stored, as well as a short distance between waste piles
The following are assessed as flammable waste:
• Paper and cardboard, incl. package (150101, 200101)
• Plastic, incl. plastic packaging, (150102, 191204, 200139)
• Used tires (160103)
• Fuel obtained from waste (191210)
• Waste from mechanical processing (191212)
• Construction waste (170904)
• Bulky waste (200307)
• Wood ash (101003)
• Wood waste (170201, 200138, 191207; 191206*)
• Textiles (200110; 200111)

In order to reduce the risk of waste fires, the State Environmental Service has set conditions for changes to category A and B permits, as well as if, when evaluating the application for a polluting activity permit, the service finds that the activities performed at the facility have a high risk of fire, the service can send a request to the State Fire State Fire and Rescue Service to provide an opinion on compliance with fire safety requirements at the facility.