The Audio Long Read
The Rainham volcano: a waste dump is constantly on fire in east London. Why will no one stop it?
Apr 7, 2025
In East London, a shocking story unfolds as an 11-year-old boy suffers severe burns from a neglected crater at Arnold's Field. Residents live in constant fear of toxic fires and pollution from illegally dumped waste that poisons their air and health. The site’s grim transformation from gravel pit to hazardous dump highlights failures in waste management and accountability. Community efforts intensify to demand action against illegal dumping and to combat the troubling health effects impacting their lives.
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Quick takeaways
- The hazardous conditions at Arnold's Field have resulted in severe health risks for local residents due to toxic smoke and underground fires.
- Community activism is driving the demand for accountability and cleanup efforts amidst governmental inaction regarding the contamination crisis.
Deep dives
The Incident at Arnold's Field
William Nolden, an 11-year-old boy, suffered severe third-degree burns after falling into a crater at Arnold's Field in 2011, raising concerns about hazardous conditions at the site. His injury, seemingly without an identifiable source of heat, prompted fear among local residents about potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. Over time, complaints about smoke and strange odors emerged, leading to suspicions that the land was toxic. The site had been neglected for years, transforming from a grazing area to a dumping ground, which raised alarms about what was buried underneath.
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