Yesterday, there was a fire in a mountain of used tires which is located in the plant of the Comprehensive System for Ecological Management and Waste Processing, (Simeprode), in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.
According to local Civil Protection, the conflagration is located at kilometer 10 of the highway to Colombia, in the municipality of Salinas Victoria.
The flames were reported at 9:17 a.m., so elements of Civil Protection (PC) and the Fire Department went to the scene to put it out. The authorities isolated the incident through gaps, forming a triangle that traps the flames.
The PC director, Erik Cavazos Cavazos, pointed out that “fortunately at the moment there are no injured people.”
As of press time, it had not been reported whether the fire was under control.
On the other hand, poor air quality was expected due to the phenomenon of thermal inversion; However, this conflagration worsened the situation.
The Santa Catarina station is in purple; that is, “extremely bad,” which is the maximum level of severity; recorded 232 micrograms per cubic meter of PM10, when the acceptable level for this pollutant is 45 ug/m3.
The rest of the 14 environmental monitoring units, nine are in orange (bad), three are in yellow (acceptable) and only two are in green (acceptable).
CONDITIONS ALERT
The Ministry of the Environment issued a statement in which it reported that due to this incident “it generates polluting emissions, which affects air quality in the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey.
“It was determined that during the morning of this November 25, the emissions generated by the fire have impacted the municipalities of Salinas Victoria, Escobedo, Apodaca and San Nicolás, mainly,” the document indicates.
He added, “There are alert conditions in the vicinity of the fire and the risk of reaching an alert level if it continues,” the agency indicated.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Environmental Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. We have an urgent and somewhat troubling topic to discuss. Yesterday, a significant fire broke out at a facility in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, where used tires are processed. Can you provide us with an overview of what happened?
Expert: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, this fire erupted at the Comprehensive System for Ecological Management and Waste Processing, commonly known as Simeprode. The flames were reported at around 9:17 a.m. at kilometer 10 on the highway to Colombia, specifically in the municipality of Salinas Victoria. Emergency services, including Civil Protection and the Fire Department, quickly mobilized to manage the situation.
Editor: It sounds like a serious incident. What are the potential environmental impacts of a fire like this, especially considering the materials involved?
Expert: Indeed, it is a grave concern. When tires burn, they release a variety of toxic pollutants, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and air particulates that can significantly affect air quality. This can pose serious health risks to nearby residents, such as respiratory issues and other long-term effects. Additionally, the runoff from fire-fighting efforts can contaminate local water sources.
Editor: That’s alarming. What measures does the facility have in place to prevent such incidents, and how effective are they?
Expert: Facilities like Simeprode typically have safety protocols that include fire prevention systems, regular inspections, and employee training. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary. If the facility was operating under optimal conditions, one would hope that risk assessment and mitigation strategies were in place. Unfortunately, incidents like this can sometimes expose gaps in those protocols.
Editor: Speaking of gaps, what can be done moving forward to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Expert: Continuous improvement in safety regulations and adherence to environmental best practices is crucial. This includes regular training for employees, rigorous inspections, and possibly the incorporation of technology that can detect fires early. Moreover, there should be community awareness programs to educate nearby residents about the risks associated with tire storage and processing.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Beyond the immediate firefighting efforts, what long-term solutions should be considered to handle the increasing problem of tire waste more sustainably?
Expert: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. This can involve enhancing recycling infrastructure to ensure more used tires are repurposed creatively – for example, as playground surfaces or construction materials. Investing in research for biodegradable alternatives to traditional tires is also essential. Furthermore, policies encouraging responsible disposal and incentivizing manufacturers to develop sustainable tire products could be very beneficial.
Editor: Thank you for that insight. What can individuals do to contribute to better tire management in their communities?
Expert: Individuals can play a significant role by ensuring they dispose of tires properly—either through designated recycling programs or at certified collection points. Additionally, advocating for better local policies and supporting companies with sustainable practices can drive community-wide changes. It’s about creating a collective awareness that every action counts.
Editor: Excellent points! We’ll continue to follow this story closely and hope for a swift resolution to the current situation in Monterrey. Thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on such a critical matter.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s important we keep the dialogue going, especially when it comes to environmental safety and sustainability.