The Hindu 18.03.2013
Fire at dump yard in Namakkal
Heaps of garbage at a dump yard in Namakkal caught fire on Sunday, leaving hundreds of residents in several colonies to face serious health risks.
Fire broke out in the yard at Kosavampatti around 11 a.m. and a few residents alerted the Fire and Rescue Services Department.
Before the fire fighters arrived at the spot, the flames, aided by strong winds, spread to most parts of the yard.
Fire engines from Namakkal, Rasipuram and Tiruchengode were pressed into service. A number of private tankers were also used to fetch water to control the fire.
It took more than six hours for the fire fighters to put out the flames.
Meanwhile, a thick cloud of smoke enveloped a number of colonies near the dump yard, putting a large number of residents to untold hardship.
Traffic on the Namakkal — Chennai main road came to a standstill for a few hours due to reduced visibility.
Officials in the local administration said that rag pickers could have set fire to the garbage heaps. Residents alleged that the civic body had failed to initiate concrete steps to prevent fires in the yard.
The yard receives over 120 tonnes of garbage generated in the town every day.
