The Walpole Island First Nations Fire Department is reminding residents that burning garbage at the community’s dump is dangerous and not permitted, following recent fires there.
In a community notice on social media, the fire department said the burning puts firefighters, residents and the environment at risk. It also warned that people caught burning garbage at the dump could face serious legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment.
The department said burning plastics, treated wood, tires and other waste can release cancer-causing chemicals and toxic smoke that can travel into nearby areas of the community. It said firefighters can be exposed to those chemicals through smoke, contaminated clothing and equipment, and skin contact, and that repeated or prolonged exposure to certain pollutants can increase cancer risk and contribute to respiratory and other health problems.
The department also cited the risk of explosions from propane tanks, aerosol cans and some batteries, contamination of soil and waterways from toxic ash and runoff, and the potential for fires to spread through waste piles and vegetation.
Anyone who sees someone burning garbage at the dump is asked to call 911 immediately.
