Benevento – The Campania Region is monitoring "with the utmost attention" the evolution of the fire that broke out on the afternoon of Monday, August 31, at a waste storage site in the industrial area of Airola, in the Benevento province. The blaze primarily affected bales of plastic waste and paper, generating a dense column of black smoke visible for kilometers and carried by winds toward the surrounding areas, as far as the provinces of Naples and Caserta.
Councillor Pecoraro's statements
"The priority remains the safety of people and the protection of the territory. We are monitoring the situation in close collaboration with the relevant authorities and local governments," said Claudia Pecoraro, Regional Councilor for the Environment.
The councilor thanked "the Fire Brigade for the work they are doing in extinguishing and securing the fire, and ARPAC for the promptness and professionalism with which they are carrying out environmental monitoring."
"We are awaiting the results of the analyses to have a clear picture of the fire's potential effects on air quality. It is essential to rely on the data and assessments of technical bodies, ensuring citizens receive accurate and transparent information," Pecoraro continued, assuring that "the Region will continue to monitor the situation with the utmost attention and ensure transparency regarding the findings of the investigations."
Arpac Monitoring: Sampling for Dioxins, Furans, and PCBs
ARPAC (Campania's Regional Agency for Environmental Protection) has activated environmental monitoring, conducting sampling for dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like PCBs, as well as monitoring other air pollutants. The use of a mobile laboratory for further on-site surveys is also being evaluated.
Upon initial inspection, technicians from the Benevento ARPAC department noted that "the material affected by the fire consisted primarily of plastic and paper waste stored in bales." When sampling began, the fire appeared to be still raging.
Citizens' warning: "Close doors and windows."
Following the fire, several mayors of the Caudina Valley and neighboring municipalities issued emergency and contingent ordinances, urging the population to keep doors, windows, shutters and ventilation vents closed, to avoid staying outdoors for long periods and to thoroughly wash fruit and vegetables before consuming them.
The mayor of Airola has announced the precautionary closure of all schools for Tuesday, September 1st and Wednesday, September 2nd. Similar measures have been adopted in other municipalities in the provinces of Benevento and Avellino, including Rotondi, while firefighters continue operations to extinguish the fire and secure the area.
The plant involved: already under judicial seizure
The fire affected the Ecoenergy plant, a waste storage and treatment center previously seized by the Carabinieri of the NOE (National Environmental Protection Agency) as part of an investigation by the Bari Public Prosecutor's Office into alleged environmental crimes. The flames also spread to the warehouse of an adjacent company, Prosider srl, which handles waste disposal.
Public safety authorities have launched an investigation into the causes of the disaster, without ruling out arson. Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning, a meeting was held at the prefecture in Benevento with the municipalities of Sannio and Irpinia, ARPAC (Italian Environmental Protection Agency), and the fire department to coordinate the emergency response.
Information for the public following the fire in Airola
Following the fire in the Airola industrial area, it is important to follow some guidelines to ensure the safety of the public.
- Closure of premises: Keep doors, windows and ventilation vents closed to limit the entry of harmful fumes.
- Avoid outdoor activities: Limit outdoor time, especially for children and people with respiratory conditions.
- Food Cleaning: Wash fruit, vegetables and greens thoroughly before eating.
- Communications Monitoring: Follow updates from local authorities regarding the situation and any ordinances.
- School closures: Schools in Airola and other surrounding towns will be closed as a precaution in the days following the fire.
