Fire at Paiporta landfill triggers environmental crisis and health alerts.

A large fire occurred on Monday afternoon at the car dump located in the industrial estate of Paiporta, triggering an environmental crisis that has left authorities and residents on high alert. The flames generated a dense column of black smoke visible from several points in the metropolitan area of Valencia, raising concerns about air quality in neighboring towns such as Picanya and Alfafar, where the strong smell of burnt plastics, gasoline, and tires has invaded homes. Initial investigations suggest a possible electrical failure in one of the decommissioned vehicles or, in the worst-case scenario, an act of vandalism. The dump, which houses thousands of out-of-use cars, is filled with flammable materials such as tires, fuel remnants, and plastics, which not only facilitated the spread of the fire but also turned this space into a true environmental powder keg. Residents of Paiporta have expressed their growing concern about the lack of safety measures at the dump, which they have repeatedly referred to as a "ticking time bomb." This situation has been the subject of numerous complaints over the years, but as one resident points out, "it seems they waited for something like this to happen to take the problem seriously." The alarm cries from the community have fallen on deaf ears, and they are now facing the consequences of negligent management. The smoke generated by the fire is not just an aesthetic problem; its composition is highly toxic. Experts warn that burning plastics and tires releases harmful substances such as dioxins and furans, which can have adverse effects on human health, causing respiratory issues and other long-term complications. This poses an immediate threat to residents and a greater concern for health authorities. Air pollution is only part of the problem. The liquids resulting from combustion, which include oils and fuels, have the potential to seep into the ground, contaminating groundwater. The Department of Environment has already sent technicians to assess the impact of the fire, but the situation is critical and could have lasting effects on the local ecosystem. Indignation is palpable among the neighbors. Ana Morales, a resident less than a kilometer from the industrial estate, expresses her frustration: "The smell is unbearable, and we don’t know what we are breathing." Meanwhile, Joaquín Pérez, a resident of Picanya, criticizes the authorities' leniency towards the dump: "We have reported the uncontrolled accumulation of vehicles and the fire risk many times, but nothing was done. Now we are suffering the consequences." The case of Paiporta reflects a broader issue in the Valencian Community, where dozens of vehicle dumps operate without strict controls. These facilities represent a constant threat, not only due to potential fires but also because of the environmental pollution they generate. The lack of regulation and oversight in these spaces endangers both public health and the environment. This fire should serve as a wake-up call for local and regional authorities. It is essential to strengthen regulations and conduct more rigorous inspections of these dumps, which operate under conditions that could be considered clandestine. The local environmental community has raised its voice, demanding immediate changes in the management of these spaces. As the flames continue to consume the dump in Paiporta, authorities face a challenge that goes beyond extinguishing the fire. Managing the environmental consequences and implementing preventive measures must be considered priorities in responding to this crisis. However, the big question remains: will the authorities act to prevent a disaster like this from happening again, or will this be another case that fades into oblivion? The current situation prompts an urgent reflection on how to improve the management of such facilities for the benefit of people's health and the protection of the environment. The community demands answers and concrete actions to ensure that an event like the one in Paiporta does not happen again.