William Ralston

2 months ago | theguardian.com | William Ralston |Nicola Alexandrou |Ellie Bury

Under Arnolds Field, tonnes of illegally dumped waste have been burning for years, spewing pollution over the area. Locals fear for their health – and despair that no one seems willing to help

Mar 4, 2025 | theguardian.com | William Ralston

One afternoon in July 2011, an 11-year-old boy named William Knowlden was out cycling with friends when he came upon Arnolds Field, an expanse of green land in Havering, east London. The site spans about 17 hectares, or 24 football pitches, and around its perimeter runs a wooden fence, with two access points through which vehicles can pass. Arnolds Field rises much higher than the surrounding land. Its surface is lumpy and undulating, like a blanket thrown over a heap of cuddly toys.

Jan 2, 2025 | post-gazette.com | William Ralston

Last December, a farmer was burning dry grapevines in his vineyard in Deir Mar Moussa, a hill town a dozen miles east of Beirut known for its 18th century monastery and stands of pine forest. Usually this would be dangerous, given that Lebanon’s hot and dry climate can quickly turn a spark into a conflagration. But on this day the worst was avoided. A device made by a German startup “smelled” the smoke from the farmer’s fire and sent out an alert, allowing authorities to prevent it from spreading.

Dec 24, 2024 | myrtlebeachonline.com | William Ralston

Last December, a farmer was burning dry grapevines in his vineyard in Deir Mar Moussa, a hill town a dozen miles east of Beirut known for its 18th century monastery and stands of pine forest. Usually this would be dangerous, given that Lebanon's hot and dry climate can quickly turn a spark into a conflagration. But on this day the worst was avoided. A device made by a German startup "smelled" the smoke from the farmer's fire and sent out an alert, allowing authorities to prevent it from spreading.

Dec 24, 2024 | thebrunswicknews.com | William Ralston

Last December, a farmer was burning dry grapevines in his vineyard in Deir Mar Moussa, a hill town a dozen miles east of Beirut known for its 18th century monastery and stands of pine forest. Usually this would be dangerous, given that Lebanon's hot and dry climate can quickly turn a spark into a conflagration. But on this day the worst was avoided. A device made by a German startup "smelled" the smoke from the farmer's fire and sent out an alert, allowing authorities to prevent it from spreading.