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Iron County emergency manager warns of surge in lithium-battery fires at county landfill; seeks protective gear and cancer screening for staff
Summary
Emergency management and public-works staff told the commission lithium-battery fires at the county landfill have risen from about 1–2 per year to roughly 60 per year; staff recommended powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and suggested cancer screening for landfill workers due to carcinogenic smoke exposure.
Iron County's emergency management and public works staff reported a sharp increase in lithium-battery fires at the county landfill and proposed immediate protective and health measures for landfill workers.
"We're now having 60 a year," the county's emergency management director said, describing a jump from the prior rate of one or two fires annually. Staff described lithium batteries as unpredictable and capable of delayed ignition, which presents repeated fire risks in mixed municipal waste.
Emergency management recommended purchasing PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators) with appropriate filters for landfill workers to reduce inhalation of toxic fumes during fires. The director said there are funds available in one of his budget lines and asked the commission for permission to buy the equipment for landfill staff. Commissioners voiced verbal support for the purchase.
Staff also recommended adding cancer screening for landfill and fire personnel, noting the state is beginning a program to screen firefighters for cancer. The emergency manager said early screening could reduce future liability and help detect occupational illnesses earlier.
FEMA and mitigation grants: Separately, emergency management reported a time extension from FEMA to complete paperwork and claims for the 2023 floods; the county has received an initial FEMA reimbursement check of about $6,900 and has until December to submit remaining receipts. The department is also pursuing a FEMA mitigation grant to dig retention ponds on Mid Valley Road.
Ending: County staff described the lithium-battery problem as part of an international trend and emphasized mitigation through protective equipment and preventive grant-funded mitigation work; commissioners asked staff to proceed with procurement and screening recommendations and to return with purchase details as needed.
