Environmental impact of large fire of chemical waste: a case study from Poland

Landfill fires pose a serious threat to the environment and public health worldwide, releasing a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere and water. This article presents the results of research on the environmental impact of a large-scale fire involving illegally stored chemical waste in Siemianowice Śląskie, southern Poland, which occurred on May 10, 2024. The fire, which covered an area of 5,000 m², involved waste solvents, paints, and plastics, generating a smoke plume several kilometers high, visible from up to 30 km away. The research focuses on the direct environmental impacts, particularly air and water pollution. The meteorological conditions during the incident, characterized by a diffuse high-pressure field and a temperature inversion at an altitude of 1,800-2,100 m above sea level, significantly affected the dispersion of pollutants, initially preventing their vertical dispersion and then promoting horizontal spread. Particularly worrisome were the hazardous concentrations of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide, with the highest temporary concentration exceeding the background value by more than 1,500 times. Contaminated firefighting water entered nearby streams, necessitating the use of filter barriers to contain crude oil and petroleum products. Analysis of water samples revealed elevated levels of Kjeldahl nitrogen (21 mg N/l), total nitrogen (21.48 mg N/l), zinc (1.7 mg/l), and copper (0.49 mg/l), indicating significant contamination exceeding typical levels. These findings highlight the serious environmental risks posed by such incidents, emphasizing the need for effective waste management and emergency response strategies to mitigate widespread contamination and protect ecosystems.