Fire at suspected illegal dumping site in Marsa
Rangers call for fire bans and tougher penalties for dumping
A fire that broke out in Marsa on Tuesday morning is under investigation by the authorities, who suspect the blaze was caused by illegally dumped waste.
Civil Protection firefighters and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) were alerted to the scene shortly after it broke out at 9.10am.
The Malta Rangers Unit said that “this is a prime example of how the issue with illegal waste dumping and littering is not only causing a visual negative impact on our environment”.
A spokesperson from the unit explained that fires at such sites usually started in one of two ways: either intentionally once the area filled up, or when extreme heat ignites materials such as glass or paper.
The unit insisted that current fines "aren't high enough" to stop people from dumping illegally.
An ERA spokesperson said that fines for general illegal dumping start from €1,200, while hazardous waste fines begin at €1,400.
The Rangers said they were urging the authorities to introduce temporary fire bans during heatwaves so as to prevent accidental fires.