The 'Rainham Volcano' fire prevention plan is moving forward, with an east London council taking decisive action to tackle perennial fires at a former illegal landfill site. The Arnolds Field in Launders Lane, dubbed the Rainham Volcano, has been a persistent source of concern, catching fire over 100 times since 2019 and releasing potentially harmful smoke into nearby homes. Havering Council plans to use a polymer seal to reduce oxygen reaching the underground fires, a temporary solution that will buy time for the landowner to develop the land or find other means to address the issue. The council is funding the work, which could take between three and seven years to complete, and has written to various government departments for assistance. Ray Morgon, leader of the council, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, 'We are moving as quickly as possible, so residents don't once again suffer.' The council's proactive approach comes after a High Court ruling that they acted unlawfully by not designating the land as contaminated. The Arnolds Field site has a history of illegal activities, including fly tipping, firearms storage, and drug production, which the council attributes to the ongoing fires and smoke. The council's solution, while controversial, aims to provide a swift and effective response to a complex environmental issue, inviting residents and stakeholders to engage in the discussion and share their thoughts.
