Airola fire, maximum alert for soil and crops: "High caution and FFP2 masks required."

The aftermath of the fire that broke out in a waste dump in the industrial area of ​​Airola, in the Benevento province, remains under observation. A coordination meeting was held today at the Prefecture of Benevento between the Campania Region, the prefectures of Benevento, Avellino, and Caserta, the mayors of the affected areas, Arpac (Regional Environmental Protection Agency), the Local Health Authority (ASL), and the relevant authorities.

Regional Councilors for the Environment, Claudia Pecoraro, and Agriculture, Maria Carmela Serluca, also participated in the discussion. The discussion focused on the precautionary measures adopted by municipalities to protect the public, pending the completion of environmental and health assessments.

Residents are advised to limit their time outdoors, wear FFP2 masks, avoid gatherings outside, keep animals in stables, and not leave laundry hanging outside their homes.

Initial joint data provided by ARPAC and the Local Health Authority (ASL) indicate an improvement. "Air pollutant levels are decreasing, and so far, no water-related issues have emerged," the meeting stated. Soil analyses are ongoing, and any potential effects on crops will need to be awaited.

"We requested this moment of coordination," Councilor Fiorella Zabatta emphasized, "because, faced with an event affecting multiple areas, it's essential to have a shared vision and ensure maximum protection for the population through synergy."

Initial air quality findings, Zabatta explained, are "comforting," but "we must remain vigilant and scrupulously observe the precautionary measures indicated by local authorities," especially regarding soil and crops.

The FFP2 mask, the councilor clarified, "is obviously not a measure similar to those adopted during Covid, because it doesn't address potential contagion, but rather a precaution aimed at reducing the inhalation of dust and particles potentially present in the air following the fire."

Regarding firefighting, firefighters reported that operations on the waste present in the outer perimeter of the warehouse are almost complete. However, the complexity of the operation requires caution and the use of specialized equipment already present in the area. The fire in the adjacent warehouse has been completely extinguished.

The regional Civil Protection continues to support operations with personnel, SMA Campania operators, and organized volunteers. A firefighting helicopter from the regional fleet is also in the field, carrying out 54 launches in support of the firefighters in a single day.

The coordination table has been adjourned until next week. At that meeting, the newly available data and the overall evolution of the emergency will be examined.