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Fires in Waste Treatment Facilities: Challenges and Solutions from a Fire Investigation Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Wen-Yen Juan

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Lung Wu

    (School of Safety and Health Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 71101, Taiwan)

  • Fan-Wei Liu

    (Academy of Circular Economy, National Chung Hsing University, Nantou 540216, Taiwan)

  • Wei-Sheng Chen

    (Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan)

Abstract

Fires in waste treatment facilities have significant social, economic, and environmental implications. Factors such as self-heating of lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway, friction, human activities, technical errors, and unfavorable storage conditions contribute to these fires. High-risk categories include illegal dumping sites, recycle collection stations, and wood-related facilities. The frequency of fires in waste treatment facilities and the emergence of new waste types have led to public discontent. Regulatory challenges and oversight difficulties pose further obstacles. This study analyzes fire incidents in Kaohsiung City’s waste treatment facilities over the past five years, exploring their causes, regulatory frameworks, and practical challenges. Valuable insights and recommendations are provided to enhance fire safety and risk assessment. These measures aim to mitigate fires’ environmental and facility consequences and their impact. Prioritizing fire prevention and reducing potential economic, social, and environmental consequences are crucial for improving fire safety in waste treatment facilities. Addressing these challenges and prioritizing the safety and sustainability of the waste treatment industry is imperative.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen-Yen Juan & Chia-Lung Wu & Fan-Wei Liu & Wei-Sheng Chen, 2023. "Fires in Waste Treatment Facilities: Challenges and Solutions from a Fire Investigation Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9756-:d:1174235
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Krzysztof Gogola & Tomasz Rogala & Małgorzata Magdziarczyk & Adam Smoliński, 2020. "The Mechanisms of Endogenous Fires Occurring in Extractive Waste Dumping Facilities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Mariano Gallo, 2019. "An Optimisation Model to Consider the NIMBY Syndrome within the Landfill Siting Problem," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(14), pages 1-18, July.
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