Illegal Dumping Ignites Fires
Illegal Dumping Ignites Fires In the year 2019, there were 50,477 wildfires reported in the United States. It is hard to predict when fire disasters will occur, but they can be prevented. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 90% of the fires are started by people through negligence. An unattended campfire or a downed power line can cause a fire, but did you know that illegal dumping can also cause fires? One of the biggest causes of fire is piles of garbage in dry, hot areas. When trash is not discarded properly, it can cause fires. Illegal dumping of tires causes the worst type of fires, as the oil within the tires once ignited is hard to put out. And according to the EPA, tire fires cause toxic gases and hazardous compounds that pollute our environment. It is important that the officials of our communities do everything they can to prevent illegal dumping. Here are some suggestions:
- Staff Resources: Staff that is specially trained and dedicated in preventing illegal dumping. Besides responding and investigating complaints and prosecuting, this includes educating the public.
- Educate: Use Billboards, Social Media, and News Outlets to get the word out to Educate your community. Talk about the dangers of illegal dumping and the consequences both environmentally and individually.
- Provide Hot lines: Hot lines are a very resourceful tool that every city should have available. When a citizen sees an act of illegal dumping, they can call, text or email information to the Enforcers.
- Legislation: Every city needs laws and fines to enforce the battle against illegal dumping
- Tools: Illegal dumping cameras. These cameras are specifically designed to provide prosecutable evidence needed in the war against illegal dumping.
When measures are taken to prevent illegal dumping, we can prevent fires. It is time to start taking illegal dumping seriously.
