Landfill Fire Containment and Control, and Emergency Response

Typical Tasks Performed:

• On-site investigation and identification of landfill fire
• Planning and performance of thermographic aerial and on-site surveys, and interpretation of results
• Assessment of potential regulatory impacts (air, water quality, etc.)
• Development and implementation of fire detection boring and monitoring program
• Preparation and submittal of fire mitigation plan
• Implementation of mitigation plans, including:
• Injection of appropriate inert gases (CO2, N2)
• Excavation and exposure of buried refuse and smothering with soil
• Installation of fire breaks
• Addition of cover soil
• Surface and subsurface flooding of impacted areas
• Utilization of fire suppressant foams
• Repair and re-grading of site surface and affected subsurface area
• Monitoring and regulatory reporting

SCS has substantial experience in locating, containing, and extinguishing subsurface landfill fires, and we provide engineering, management, and turnkey services for landfill fire suppression. 

Representative landfill fire control projects include:

• Subsurface Landfill Fire Control and Extinguishment via Carbon Dioxide Injection, South Bay Six Drive-In Theater, Carson, California.
   

• Landfill Fire Control Utilizing Subsurface Flooding, Excavation, and Addition of Suitable Cover Material at five adjacent landfill sites, Wilmington, California.
   

• Repair of Fire Damaged LFG Recovery Facilities/Regrading of Settled Areas, Wilmington, California.
   

• Identification and Monitoring of Subsurface Landfill Fire Impacting LFG Migration Control Facilities, Mountaingate Development, Los Angeles, California.
   

• Identification and Control Plan Development for Subsurface Landfill Fire, Industry Hills Development, Industry Hills, California.
   

• Landfill Fire Status Evaluation and Development of Short-Term Mitigation Plan, Including Health and Safety Risk Assessment, Go East Landfill, Snohomish County, Washington.
   

• Investigation of Underground Combustion, Including Thermographic Surveys, Port Washington Landfill, Town of North Hempstead, New York.
   

• Investigation of subsurface fire and recommendation of suppression measures for a C&D landfill being developed for commercial retail purposes.  Implemented fire control measures and installed methane gas controls under the new buildings, Acworth, Georgia.