Firefighters say their health is in danger from the toxic smoke

The number of uncontrolled fires breaking out in the huge piles of rubbish has increased dramatically recently, with consequent dangers to public health and the environment in general. Due to the significant amount of plastic and other materials in the rubbish, the toxic compounds created contain dangerous carcinogenic dioxins.

The Fire Service is repeatedly called upon to deal with fires in rubbish piles, especially in the north of the island. Since last week's big fire in Kouloura, which spread to the nearby vegetation and burnt approximately 30 stremma of forest land, firefighters have not stopped dealing with similar cases. Rubbish is on fire everywhere - usually not by chance. Firefighters are in the front line and have to face not only the flames but also clouds of toxic smoke.

They told Enimerosi that they are extremely worried about the dangers to their and their families' health. Rubbish pile fires are not easily put out as the plastic and chemicals smoulder. They have to keep tamping the fire until it is completely extinguished, facing all types of parasite that have developed. "The breathing masks we wear do not give us 100% protection from the poison gases. Everyone needs to understand that burning is not the solution."

There has been a continuous series of rubbish pile fires in North Corfu throughout the summer. Last week there were four fires, on Monday there were three fires where rubbish had been dumped in Peroulades and Acharavi. This morning there was a fire in Kouloura again close to the location of last week's fire, which was quickly extinguished.