UNDERSTANDING AND CONTROLLING LANDFILL FIRES

                                                                                               by
                                                                         Dr. Tony Sperling, P.Eng.,
                                                                         Sperling Hansen Associates
                                                                         North Vancouver, British Columbia
                                                                         Canada
                                                                                               and
                                                                         J. Paul Henderson, P.Eng.,
                                                                         Landfill Operations Branch
                                                                         City of Vancouver Landfill
                                                                         Delta, British Columbia
                                                                         Canada

Introduction

Landfill fires are a common occurrence in North America, particularly at landfills receiving demolition / land clearing / construction waste (DLC).  In British Columbia alone, eight major landfill fires have occurred in the past two years.  Having worked on the extinguishment of several of the fires, we have noted some common denominators in terms waste type, ignition methods, fire indicators and effective extinguishment methods.

Practical methods of fighting landfill fires are reviewed, including application of water, oxygen suppression and excavation / overhauling.  Examples are drawn from the experiences of LandfillFire Control Inc. staff in extinguishing fires with each of these approaches at DLC landfill cells at Delta Shake and Shingle in Delta, B.C., City of Vancouver Landfill in Delta, B.C., Burnsville Landfill in Burnsville, Minnesota and an MSW landfill in Penticton, British Columbia.

Fire fighting strategies must be continually adjusted with climatic conditions and changes in fire intensity.  Sub-surface temperature and gas composition monitoring strategies have proven invaluable in assessing fire control efforts.  In particular, CO and temperature monitoring are invaluable in being able to declare a fire completely extinguished.

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