Teano – Yet another fire at a waste storage site is bringing the Caserta area to its knees. Since last night, flames have been devouring the Campania Energia plant, a company that collects and manages non-hazardous waste, primarily plastic, in the industrial area of Teano.
The flames affected approximately 40 square meters of material, releasing a thick column of black, acrid smoke, visible for kilometers, which engulfed the town and surrounding municipalities. Residents were inconvenienced and worried , forced to stay indoors with doors and windows locked.
The intervention of the firefighters
Three firefighter teams have been working on the scene for hours: two from the Piedimonte Matese and Teano fire departments, and one from the Naples (Afragola) command center. Two fire engines are also present, one from Aversa and the Caserta headquarters, as well as the CBRN (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Radiological) unit. Despite their efforts, the fire is still not completely contained.
Toxic cloud: checks underway
The Prefecture of Caserta has activated the provincial department of ARPAC, whose technicians are on-site to monitor the air. Specifically, dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been detected in the atmosphere, highly toxic substances that can have serious effects on health and the environment.
"The results of the analyses will be released as soon as they are available," the Regional Environmental Protection Agency announced.
The shadow of malice
The cause of the fire remains unclear. Investigators have not ruled out arson, a suspicion that's gaining traction given the frequency with which waste management companies are targeted in Campania.
Meanwhile, the alarm remains in Teano: firefighters continue to monitor the site, while the black cloud hangs over the population and the surrounding area, posing a threat.
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It's incredible how every time something bad happens in this area, it seems like no solution can be found to these problems. People's health and the environment are at risk, and no one is doing anything. We must act!