A mountain of rubbish in Indonesia has been on fire for more than a week

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A mountain of rubbish in Indonesia has been on fire for more than a week

BBC Science · 1 month ago

A waste depot near Jakarta has been consumed by flames for over a week, forcing surrounding residents to abandon their homes amid thick, hazardous smoke. The blaze erupted when methane from decomposing organic matter ignited, and emergency crews have launched a major response with aircraft, water tankers, and unmanned drones. Health services have documented more than 230 residents seeking treatment for respiratory damage, and officials expect to bring the situation under control by week's end.

The incident has prompted environmental organisations to highlight systemic failures in Indonesia's waste infrastructure. The affected landfill operates well above its intended capacity—it is designed to receive 2,700 tonnes daily but actually receives significantly more from surrounding districts, leading to the proliferation of uncontrolled dumping areas. Activists characterize this fire as symptomatic of long-standing negligence in waste policy rather than a standalone crisis.

  • Landfill fire near Jakarta burning for 8+ days covering 15+ hectares creates hazardous air; 230+ residents treated for respiratory illness, hundreds evacuated
  • Methane buildup from decomposing waste triggered the blaze; emergency response includes aircraft, tankers, and drones with hopes for containment by week's end
  • Environmental groups cite systemic mismanagement; landfill designed for 2,700 tons daily but receives more waste, forcing unregulated dumping across the region

Environment Science

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