Flytipping fire fears (From Penarth Times)

Flytipping fire fears

PENARTH'S fire chief has warned people to think about the consequences of flytipping - which could lead to serious injury to firefighters and to members of the public.

Penarth Fire Station Commander, Fraser Ingram, said: "Our crews are frequently called to extinguish fires that have been deliberately set in piles of illegally dumped rubbish.

"Last year, we dealt with 75 refuse fires, many of which were in lanes and on waste ground.

"Apart from the obvious environmental damage, the most alarming aspect of all this is that sometimes these fires can involve gas canisters discarded from caravans, barbecues or portable heaters.

"Gas cylinders - whatever their gas content - can explode when exposed to fire, causing serious damage to property, or even seriously injuring or killing anyone nearby.

"And that means firefighters or members of the public."

Barry-based firefighter Richard Jenkins was killed 13 months ago when a gas canister exploded at a fire he was fighting in Ely.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has backed Station Commander Ingram's call, and promised to target flytippers who risk the health and safety of others.

From the beginning of this June, the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act has given local authorities greater powers to deal with people who illegally dump rubbish on roads, fields, lanes, alleyways and other public spaces.

Under the Act, fly-tipping has become an arrestable offence, with a maximum 50,000 fine or five years imprisonment.

Denny White, Senior Compliance/Enforcement Officer for the council, added: "The increased fines and possibility of imprisonment would apply to a constant offender.

"But the new powers also mean that local authorities can impose an on-the-spot fine of 75 for anyone caught illegally dumping their old mattresses, pallets, black bin bags and other unwanted household waste."