Solutions
Open-air fires
The number of open-air fires in Europe is increasing by 10–20% each year. In Serbia, the negative trend is even higher—10–30% annually. Open-air fires, such as forest fires, landfill fires, fires in mines and tailings, field fires, storage site fires, and construction site fires, can have serious consequences for the environment, economy, and society:
- Environmental consequences
- Economic consequences
- Health consequences
- Social consequences
- Loss of natural resources
Landfill fires
Landfill fires occur frequently throughout the year. Their causes may include human activity, improper waste disposal, embers, packaging of flammable gases or liquids, hazardous substances, methane, hydrogen, and other factors. According to 2016 data, there were 1,760 reported landfill fires in Serbia, of which Novi Sad accounted for 263, Belgrade 245, and Niš 134.
Since they are usually extinguished by smothering with inert material, landfill fires often present safety risks for both equipment and personnel, as firefighters must approach the edge of a slope or work beneath it.
Landfill fire diagnostics
Tekon-Tehnokonsalting has a team and an accredited laboratory for diagnosing the thermal condition of landfills.
Comprehensive diagnostics using state-of-the-art methods and equipment include:
- Detection of temperatures up to –20 m depth
- Deep landfill gas testing
- High-resolution aerial thermal imaging
- Ground-based thermal inspections
- Development of orthophoto and thermal 3D landfill models
- Experienced multidisciplinary team of engineers
- Creation of probes for in-depth condition diagnostics
- Preparation of landfill condition reports
The company has accredited its laboratory in compliance with ISO 17025 and holds numerous other certificates in the field.
Consequences of fires
The consequences of these fires include intense emissions of pollutants into the air, with concentrations that can be locally fatal, making it necessary to use proper personal protective equipment when extinguishing them. Other consequences may include:
- Severe emissions (pollutants, toxic gases, unpleasant odors)
- Endangering the safety of employees and firefighting personnel
- Cracking, collapsing, and sliding of deposited material
- Formation of new fire zones during sliding or puncturing of landfill masses
- Suspension of waste disposal in the affected zone
- Contamination of groundwater
- Long-lasting fires that are difficult to extinguish
- Explosions
Diagnostics of underground fires
Underground fires are diagnosed by cross-referencing several sets of information, measurements, and imaging of the landfill. Tekon engineers specialize in diagnosing underground fires and assessing risks in this field. For diagnostics, they use cutting-edge equipment, licensed and certified staff, and a specially developed methodology.
As a result, the company issues expert opinions, 3D thermal models, imaging reports, and action plans for fire prevention or extinguishing.
- ITC Level 2 Thermography Certificate
- Certified and licensed drone pilots
- Professional examination in the field of fire protection
- Ministry of Interior authorization for risk assessment preparation
Accredited laboratory for aerial thermal imaging
Tekon is ISO 17025 accredited for thermal imaging of landfill stability. The work is performed using calibrated equipment, high-resolution thermal cameras, and professional laboratory staff.
As a result, the company issues an ATS imaging report.