Smoke Signals: Engineers Demand Mandatory Scrapyard Checks After Three Fires in Six Months

As the sun set over the industrial zone in Ħal Far last June, a towering inferno engulfed the local scrapyard. It was the third such blaze in just six months, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible from as far as Marsaxlokk. Now, local engineers are calling for urgent action, demanding mandatory inspections to prevent a recurrence of these hazardous fires.

From Ħal Far to Ħal Lija: A Trail of Smoke

The first fire broke out in Ħal Far in December 2021, followed by another in Ħal Lija in February, and the most recent in Ħal Far in June. Each time, firefighters battled for hours to contain the flames, with the June fire taking over 12 hours to extinguish. The blazes not only pose a risk to nearby homes and businesses but also have environmental implications, with toxic fumes released into the atmosphere.

“We’re playing with fire here,” warns Ing. Joseph Borg, a local structural engineer. “These scrapyards are ticking time bombs. It’s only a matter of time before another fire starts, and it could be even bigger and more dangerous.”

Engineers’ Call to Action

Borg is one of several engineers who have signed a petition calling for mandatory inspections of scrapyards. They propose regular checks to ensure safety measures are in place, such as fire-resistant barriers, adequate water supplies, and proper waste segregation. “We’re not asking for the impossible,” says Borg. “Just basic safety precautions that could prevent these fires from happening.”

The petition has gained traction among local professionals, with over 200 signatures so far. It has also caught the attention of politicians, with MP Jason Azzopardi promising to raise the issue in Parliament.

Regulatory Gaps and Industry Response

Currently, scrapyards fall under the remit of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), but engineers argue that the regulations are not stringent enough. “The ERA does inspections, but they’re not frequent enough, and the penalties for non-compliance are too low to act as a deterrent,” says Ing. Maria Grech, another signatory of the petition.

When contacted, the ERA acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that they are working on strengthening regulations. The scrapyard industry, represented by the Malta Scrap Dealers Association, has also committed to working with authorities to improve safety standards.

“We understand the gravity of the situation,” says Mr. Joe Xuereb, the association’s president. “We’re open to dialogue and willing to implement stricter safety measures, but we need the support of the authorities and the public.”

However, engineers warn that words are not enough. “We’ve had enough talk,” says Borg. “We need action. We need mandatory inspections, and we need them now.”

As the summer heat intensifies, so does the urgency of the situation. With another fire season looming, the call for mandatory inspections grows louder. The question is, will the authorities listen in time?