Fire broke out in a honeycombed cell in service at a class 2 waste storage centre. These wastes, composed of discarded material from dumpsites, sorting rejects and sorted fines, burned at the surface over 600 m². The fire initiated 7 hours after the most recent load of waste delivered. The surveillance camera detected smouldering vents 15 min before the alarm was sounded by an operations employee living in the vicinity; 90 min of intervention were necessary for responders to control the blaze, and they remained onsite another 15 hours to completely secure the zone.

The geomembrane and anti-punching protection of the honeycombed cell, ensuring the watertightness on a 60-m² area of the dike, was destroyed (portion located above the waste layer and approx. 1 m below). A pollution risk caused by leachates was feared. The surface gas drainage network was also destroyed, over a 10-m stretch. No consequences were exhibited among the populations of neighbouring villages located away from the site, although a significant release of black smoke could be observed.

While awaiting preparation of a new honeycombed cell, these wastes were stored on the side opposite the damaged zone. Moreover, the operator was required to oversee implementation of site safety measures and organise operations to prevent any additional environmental impacts. Since the fire began on the surface of wastes stored for several days, a self-combustion phenomenon or magnifying effect (enhanced by very hot and dry weather conditions) might have caused this accident.