As I drive down Triq l-Imqabba, the acrid smell of burnt metal still lingers in the air, a stark reminder of the inferno that engulfed the scrapyard just last month. This was the third such blaze in six months, and engineers are now calling for mandatory inspections, worried that the next fire could be more than just an eyesore.

In March, June, and September, the quiet industrial area of Ħal Far was jolted awake by towering flames and thick smoke. Each time, it took firefighters hours to bring the blazes under control. The fires have raised eyebrows and hackles, with many questioning why these incidents keep happening.

“These aren’t just small fires,” says Dr. Joseph Mizzi, a mechanical engineer with over two decades of experience. “They’re massive, dangerous, and completely preventable.”

Scrapyards are a treasure trove for recyclables, but they’re also a tinderbox. Mountains of old cars, metal, and plastic create the perfect fuel for a fire. Add in the heat generated by the summer sun, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

“We’ve had fires in the past, but never like this,” says Tony Camilleri, owner of one of the affected yards. “Something’s changed, and we need to figure out what it is.”

Engineers like Dr. Mizzi are calling for mandatory inspections of scrapyards. They want to see fire safety measures in place, such as sprinkler systems, fire-resistant barriers, and regular maintenance of equipment.

“We’re not asking for the moon,” says Dr. Mizzi. “We just want to see some basic safety measures in place. It’s not just about the yards, it’s about the people living and working nearby. It’s about public safety.”

But change won’t come easy. Scrapyard owners argue that such measures would be costly and could drive them out of business. Meanwhile, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) says it’s looking into the issue but hasn’t yet committed to mandatory inspections.

“We understand the concerns,” says an ERA spokesperson. “But we also need to balance safety with the economic reality of these businesses.”

As the smoke clears and the embers cool, one thing is clear: something needs to change. We can’t keep playing with fire. It’s time for action, before the next spark turns into another inferno.

“We’re not asking for perfection,” says Dr. Mizzi. “We’re just asking for progress. Let’s not wait for another fire to make that happen.”