Environmental impact of fires

Fires, whether they occur in buildings, industrial facilities, logistics warehouses, or natural areas, are events with far-reaching consequences. Historically, fire risk analysis has focused on protecting people and property, incorporating economic and regulatory considerations. However, in recent decades, attention has gradually shifted to the environmental consequences of fires, which are often underestimated and can sometimes be more long-lasting than the initial property damage (ISO 26367-1).

A fire is an uncontrolled combustion process that generates a wide range of chemical and physical pollutants. These include gases (e.g., CO₂, CO, NO_x, SO_x, HCN, HCl), fine particles (e.g., PM_2.5, and PM₁₀), as well as persistent organic compounds such as dioxins, furans, polychlorinated biphenyls, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) . The presence of complex materials (halogenated or sulfur-containing polymers, battery materials, etc.) further increases the diversity and toxicity of the effluents. Added to these emissions are fire suppressants and their decomposition products, particularly foams, now known for their contribution to pollution by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are currently being phased out . Endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenols, phthalates, and certain brominated flame retardants, may be emitted during the combustion of plastics and foams. Their persistence and bioaccumulation require specific monitoring in the assessment of chronic impacts.

These substances disperse into various environmental compartments. Air is the primary transport medium, with plumes capable of carrying pollutants over tens or hundreds of kilometers